The Empire Strips Back – 2026 UK Tour Dates and Tickets
The Empire Strips Back brings a sci-fi twist to burlesque theatre, blending striptease, comedy, and iconic Star Wars imagery. This parody production has attracted over 400,000 attendees globally, with confirmed 2026 UK tour dates for Leeds and Manchester following a successful London run.
The show features characters including seductive stormtroopers, Boba Fett, Twi’leks, and droids in a cheeky, theatrical format. Performances run approximately two hours with a 15-minute intermission where specified. The content is strictly 18+, and venue rules prohibit photography and video recording.
Productions are scheduled for multiple international markets, including a Las Vegas engagement beginning March 2026. UK audiences can now secure tickets for the northern England dates, though no Birmingham appearances are currently listed.
The Empire Strips Back UK
The UK leg of this global tour focuses on three primary cities: Leeds, Manchester, and the recently concluded London engagement. Each venue offers distinct scheduling and ticketing arrangements.
Show Description
Burlesque parody combining striptease, dance, and Star Wars character comedy.
UK Tour Status
2026 dates confirmed for Leeds and Manchester; London run concluded.
Key Locations
Testbed (Leeds), Manchester venue TBC, Riverside Studios (London concluded).
Ticket Info
Available via official city pages; London tickets via Fever (limited).
Key Insights
- Global ticket sales exceed 400,000–500,000 across all markets.
- London engagement ran from December 29, 2023, at Riverside Studios.
- Leeds performances run at Testbed from February 12–22, 2026.
- The Manchester launch is set for March 6, 2026.
- Strict 18+ age verification is enforced at all venues.
- Photography and video recording are prohibited during performances.
- Strobe lighting effects are used throughout the production.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Burlesque Parody |
| Source Material | Star Wars (unofficial parody) |
| Age Restriction | 18+ only |
| London Duration | 2 hours (with 15-minute intermission) |
| Leeds Dates | February 12–22, 2026 |
| Manchester Start | March 6, 2026 |
| London Price Point | From £47 |
| Notable Characters | Stormtroopers, Boba Fett, Twi’leks, Droids |
The Empire Strips Back Manchester
The Manchester engagement opens March 6, 2026, with performances scheduled Tuesdays through Saturdays. Showtimes follow a consistent pattern: 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; 8:00 p.m. on Fridays; and two shows on Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Venue and Ticket Access
While specific venue details for Manchester remain unconfirmed in current listings, tickets are available through the official Manchester page. Group bookings for parties of eight or more receive tailored experiences.
Parties of eight or more can arrange tailored experiences through official channels for the Manchester dates.
Performance Runtime
While the London production maintained a strict two-hour format including intermission, general tour performances vary between 1.5 and 3 hours. Attendees should verify specific runtime details when booking.
The Empire Strips Back UK Tour Tickets
Ticketing structures vary by city and platform. The concluded London run offered entry from £47 through Fever, while the 2026 northern dates sell through dedicated city portals.
Pricing Structure
UK pricing for Leeds and Manchester remains unspecified beyond the London baseline of £47. International comparisons show Las Vegas dates starting at $111 via SeatGeek. Attendees should consult official city pages for current rates.
Purchase Channels
Primary sales flow through theempirestripsback.com with city-specific subdomains for Leeds and Manchester. The London run utilized Fever exclusively before concluding.
The production employs strobe lighting effects and maintains strict 18+ age verification. Photography and video recording are prohibited throughout the performance.
The Empire Strips Back Birmingham
No Birmingham dates appear in the current tour schedule. The 2026 itinerary includes Leeds and Manchester exclusively for the UK leg, with London having concluded its run.
Birmingham has not been announced for the 2026 tour. Prospective attendees should monitor official channels for potential additions.
The Empire Strips Back Tour Timeline
- December 29, 2023: London engagement opens at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith. Source: Official London page
- 2024: London run continues with multiple daily showtimes including 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. slots.
- Late 2024/Early 2025: London show concludes; listings mark “SHOW’S OVER!”
- February 12–22, 2026: Leeds residency at Testbed. Source: Official Leeds page
- March 6, 2026: Manchester tour commences. Source: Official Manchester page
- March 30, 2026: Las Vegas engagement opens (US market reference).
What Is Confirmed vs. Unclear
| Established Information | Outstanding Questions |
|---|---|
| Leeds dates: February 12–22, 2026 | Specific Manchester venue location |
| Manchester start: March 6, 2026 | Manchester run end date |
| London run concluded | Birmingham scheduling |
| 18+ age restriction enforced | Refund policies for unforeseen cancellations |
| Group bookings available (8+) | Exact UK ticket pricing for 2026 dates |
The Show’s Format and Appeal
The production occupies a niche between cult cinema tribute and adult cabaret. Performers interpret Star Wars archetypes through burlesque choreography, incorporating comedy alongside striptease elements. Marketing materials emphasize “sexy Stormtroopers” and similarly reimagined characters from the franchise.
The format has proven commercially viable across multiple continents, with half a million tickets sold globally. The show targets adult nightlife audiences, including bachelor and bachelorette parties, while maintaining theatrical production standards.
Official Sources and Attendee Reports
Primary documentation originates from empirestripsback.com and city-specific subdomains. These sources confirm 2026 scheduling without mentioning postponements.
Social media discussions have referenced potential postponements for Manchester dates, though no official confirmation or rescheduling announcements appear on verified channels.
Attendees should rely on official city pages for definitive scheduling rather than unverified reports.
Summary: The Empire Strips Back UK Tour
The 2026 UK tour brings The Empire Strips Back to Leeds (February 12–22) and Manchester (from March 6), following the conclusion of the London run. Tickets are available now through official channels. No Birmingham dates are scheduled. For additional historical coverage, see The Empire Strips Back – UK Tour Dates Tickets Venues and The Empire Strips Back – No UK Tour Dates for 2025-2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age requirement?
Strictly 18+. All attendees must present valid identification.
Are group tickets available?
Yes. Groups of eight or more can arrange tailored bookings through official channels.
Is photography permitted?
No. The venue prohibits all photos and video recording during the performance.
Which characters appear?
The show features burlesque interpretations of Stormtroopers, Boba Fett, Twi’leks, and droids.
How long is the show?
London ran exactly two hours with a 15-minute intermission. General tour durations range 1.5–3 hours.
Will the show come to Birmingham?
No Birmingham dates are currently announced for the 2026 tour.
Are refunds available if dates change?
No specific refund policies are detailed in available sources. Contact official ticketing channels directly.
Does the show use strobe lights?
Yes. The production includes strobe lighting effects.
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