THE stage is set for a glittering occasion tomorrow night, when Blackburn's brand new theatre is officially opened.

The Thwaites Theatre, Bolton Road, Ewood, will play host to two shows with a host of celebrities expected to join the invited audience to mark the culmination of a 20-year campaign.

Over £450,000 has been spent transforming the former Red Brick Theatre into a state-of-the-art venue for local theatre companies and community groups, the majority of it through fund-raising by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Michael Berry, the project director, said: "Saturday night will be a very proud moment for all those who have believed in the theatre.

"It's going to be a night to remember."

As well as celebrities, the audience on Saturday night will be made up of 'theatre bums'.

"When we started our fund-raising campaign we asked people to cough up £25 for a ticket for an opening night show at a theatre that didn't exist," said Mr Berry.

"This is our way of honouring that promise. The trouble has been there are too many of them to fit into one performance, so we've arranged two."

Mr Berry promised that the gala opening would feature a spectacular show including dancing, singing and a special guest appearance by West End star Gemma Craven.

The theatre began life as the Empire Electric Cinema and opened in 1910. It gradually fell into decline before a campaign was launched to give Blackburn its own theatre.

Mr Berry revealed that although the 200-seat theatre and the associated Capita Performing Arts Centre were now open, fund-raising would continue.

"Our next mission is to bring the balcony in the theatre back into use and increase the capacity," he said.

A special limited edition print by Blackburn artist Mark Best has been commissioned to boost funds.

Copies are available from the theatre box office which is open on Saturday mornings from 10am to 12.30pm.