Blackburn’s busiest theatre has been given a makeover and will be throwing open its doors to show off its new look.

The Empire Theatre on Aqueduct Road shut down for part of August so that an improvement programme could be carried out.

The main focus was the balcony bar which had been left mainly untouched for 20 years. The bar was refurbished incorporating the theatre’s signature black and gold colour scheme and a partition wall removed creating creating a spacious and welcoming area for patrons.

One impressive new feature is a photo of the theatre from around 1955 which fills an entire wall and provides a visual reference to the theatre’s past as a cinema. It was paid for thanks to a donation from Taylor Wimpey.

The upstairs bar is to be renamed The Volunteers’ Bar in recognition of the team of volunteers who are essential to every aspect of the theatre. A memorial wall has also been created to celebrate volunteers who have sadly passed away.

Other work carried out included removing the fixed seating from the main bar and fitting new carpets in the bar and foyer.

The Berry Room, the theatre’s main performing arts and rehearsal space, has been re-floored and new dance mirrors installed.

Crown Paints donated materials so that the exterior of the theatre could be repainted.

The theatre is to hold an open day next Sunday - September 22 - from 12noon when free backstage tours will be available.

A theatre spokesman said: “The staff and volunteers put in an amazing amount of effort to complete the renovation.

“We are very proud of our theatre which serves the whole community and can’t wait to show it off at the open day. We’re always on the look out for more volunteers and anyone interested in finding out more should come down.”

The theatre also has a packed programme of shows. Visit www.blackburnempire.com for details.