'Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts'…so begins the international award winning musical, Chicago, starring Ali Bastian as Roxie Hart, Stefan Booth as Billy Flynn, Tupele Dorgu as Velma Kelly, and Bernie Nolan as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton.... Read more >>
Running time: TBCThe running time will be added as soon as it is confirmed

'Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts'…so begins the international award winning musical, Chicago, starring Ali Bastian as Roxie Hart, Stefan Booth as Billy Flynn, Tupele Dorgu as Velma Kelly, and Bernie Nolan as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton.
Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with Cell Block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.
Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle. With 6 Tony, 2 Olivier, 1 Grammy, 2 Bafta and 6 Academy Awards, Chicago truly is 'The sharpest, slickest show on the block' (The Times).
A nightclub singer, a double-murderess, a smooth-talking lawyer and a cell block of sin: it would be a crime to miss it.





There are eight spaces in the stalls where wheelchair users can remain in their wheelchairs. Access is on the flat via a lift. Alternatively patrons may wish to transfer to a fixed seat, with vacated wheelchairs stored in the nearest bar area. Please note that patrons must be able to vacate the building quickly in case of evacuation. If you are unsure of the best option for you, please discuss this with our box office staff when booking.
Open captioned and audio described performances are sometimes scheduled. To be kept up to date, please email fionahunter@theambassadors.com. For all performances, there is a Sennheiser infrared system available in all areas of the auditorium. This can be used with or without a hearing aid. When you arrive at the theatre, please speak to a member of our Front of House team who will give you the equipment and show you how to use it. Please note there is a fully refundable £10 deposit for the loan of the equipment.
Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre
Accessible toilets are located at the Stalls and Dress Circle levels and in the stalls bar as you enter the theatre.

By road:
Please use maps.google.co.uk to find directions. Our full address is:
Sunderland Empire
High Street West
Sunderland
SR1 3EX
If travelling by bus, we recommend www.simplygo.co.uk where you’ll be able to plan your journey.
By train:
If travelling by train, we recommend www.thetrainline.co.uk where you’ll be able to plan your journey. National Rail and the local Tyne and Wear Metro services are available.
Book online: Use the links below
Telephone Booking: 0844 871 3022
Customer Service: 0844 871 7627
Groups Bookings: 0844 871 3042
Access Bookings: 0844 871 7677
Stage Door / Admin:* 0191 566 1057
*please note it is not possible to assist
with bookings on this number
Come and see behind the scenes of the North East’s biggest theatre! Tours are now available on a monthly basis, details of those on sale now are below. Each tour will include full auditorium, backstage and onstage access – a real chance to see the sets and staging of big productions up close! Following the tour we will retire to our beautiful dress circle bar for complimentary tea/coffee. We look forward to showing you around this stunning Edwardian theatre.
Friday 10 February, 3pm, Blood Brothers
Wednesday 28 March, 11am, Chicago
Friday 20 April, 3pm, Spamalot
Thursday 10 May, 11am, South Pacific
(Tours last approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)
PRICES
£6 per person
Groups 10+ £5 per person (If you would like to book a private tour for your group, please contact our Creative Learning Manager on 0191 5661056)
To book a place please pop into our box office or call us on our priority booking line, 0191 5661045.
We regret that due to the large number of stairs, tours are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.
Book online: Using the links below
Telephone Booking: 0844 871 3022
Groups Bookings (10+): 0844 871 3042
Access Bookings: 0191 566 1045
In person at the Box Office: Monday – Saturday 12pm – 6pm, or 15 minutes after curtain up on performance days (normally 7.45pm). Sunday and bank holidays the Box Office is open 1 hour prior to performance time.

