This unique extravaganza showcases only the best in entertainment; witness acrobats defying gravity as the ancient discipline Icarian Games returns to centre stage. An act rarely seen in circus arts, steeped in tradition, this remarkable display of human juggling where the human body becomes catapult and catcher in an elaborate, explosive and highly choreographed presentation of power, poise and agility.
The show features traditional Chinese acts with the amazing legendary Bicycle Act which will keep the audience on the edge of their seats as 12 artistes manoeuvre onto a single bicycle. Witness the unpredictable and exhilarating twists of foot juggling with drums, the famous swinging poles, the sensational contortionist and the dynamic hoop divers with their amazing somersaults, leaps and jumps which all go towards completing this action packed programme.... Read more >>
Running time: 1h 50m

This unique extravaganza showcases only the best in entertainment; witness acrobats defying gravity as the ancient discipline Icarian Games returns to centre stage. An act rarely seen in circus arts, steeped in tradition, this remarkable display of human juggling where the human body becomes catapult and catcher in an elaborate, explosive and highly choreographed presentation of power, poise and agility.
The show features traditional Chinese acts with the amazing legendary Bicycle Act which will keep the audience on the edge of their seats as 12 artistes manoeuvre onto a single bicycle. Witness the unpredictable and exhilarating twists of foot juggling with drums, the famous swinging poles, the sensational contortionist and the dynamic hoop divers with their amazing somersaults, leaps and jumps which all go towards completing this action packed programme.
Suitable for an audience of all ages, with evocative sets, soaring musical score and extravagant new costumes this will entertain the entire family long after the final curtain falls! Don't miss this stunning production that features the most daring, breath-taking and thrilling artistes to tour the UK.
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.

