REGULAR readers of Bygones will have noted that the famed escapologist Harry Houdini didn't always enjoy happy times when he came to East Lancashire.

When the Handcuffs King brought his stage show to the Palace Theatre in Blackburn, he barely escaped in one piece.

He fell foul of the Blackburn author, William Hope Hodgson, who attempted to bamboozle Houdini with his own plugged handcuffs.

The illusionist had a standing £25 handcuffs challenge but suffered considerable injuries because of the doctored manacles brought by Hodgson, who later found fame as a renowned horror writer.

Theatre campaigners this week though have recounted more enjoyable experiences for Houdini in the red rose county.

For six nights, 117 years ago this month, the Hungarian-born star enjoyed a successful run at the former Burnley Empire Theatre.

Supporters of the Burnley Empire Theatr (BET) Trust, dedicated to reviving the fortunes of the Cow Lane venue, have noted the performances as part of their advent countdown.

A theatre trust spokesman said: "His performance at the Empire was a little known fact that the BET archivists discovered whilst carrying out research.

"As soon as it was known that Houdini himself performed in at the Burnley Empire, official records were amended to show that the Handcuff King did indeed land at the Empire."

Houdini is reported to have escaped from 'three sets of "bracelets", two round his wrists and one fastening his legs' on the Empire's stage.

He is just one of an array of performers who graced the Burnley landmark's stage, with the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Dame Margot Fonteyn also treading the boards there.

The trust's advent calendar has already showcased volunteers and last year's purchase of the Empire.