BLACKBURN witnessed "the birth of a new theatre" on Saturday night. Thwaites Empire Theatre, Ewood, officially opened its new balcony -- taking capacity to 320 seats -- with a star-studded variety show.

The once-derelict building has been transformed over eight years after more than £750,000 was raised by volunteers and through celebrity donations.

Michael Berry, the man who has led the project, said the theatre would not turn its back on amateur dramatics, but increased capacity would enable it to attract more top acts.

On Saturday 'The Comedians' star Ken Goodwin topped a bill which included concert pianist Nicholas Nowicki, pop group Classique, comedian Dougie Clarke, dancers from the Bernese School of Theatre Dance, Blackburn, and American-based illusionists Sapphire.

Blackburn author Josephine Cox, Blackburn actor Anthony Valentine, who starred in '70s TV series Colditz, and the Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Rev Nicholas Reade, were among members of the audience seated on the new balcony.

Mr Berry said: "It has been such a relief to finally get this thing finished.

"The people of Blackburn have a theatre to be proud of. It has been the birth of a new theatre."

Mr Berry said the next step would be to improve the building's exterior appearance.