Sunderland Empire

Sunderland is a welcoming, vibrant coastal city with a thriving arts scene, with the iconic Sunderland Empire showcasing the very best West End shows. Sunderland is recognised as a Music City for its dedication to nurturing talent, has a community spirit, diverse culture, celebrates sport and is home to the Premiership football team Sunderland AFC.

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We believe that the joy of live performances should be accessible to all, and we're committed to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy entertainment in a comfortable, inclusive, and welcoming environment.

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Getting around

Enjoying the show

Resources & help

Getting around

Access parking

There is limited Blue Badge parking outside the Fire Station which is located near to the theatre. There is also an area that can be used as a drop off. Alternatively there is parking at The Bridges or St Mary’s as above. Please always allow plenty of time as spaces can be limited at busy times. Disabled parking bays are also available on Paley Street, which can be accessed by following the one-way system along the left-hand side of the theatre.

Lift

Sunderland Empire has a lift to the Stalls and the Dress Circle.

Step free access and wheelchairs

Our Foyer, Stalls and Dress Circle Bar are all accessible by lift or ask us for At Seat Service when you arrive.

We have step free access to our Stalls and Dress Circle levels. All stalls seats can be reached step free as can Boxes B and C and Row J in the Dress Circle. The main staircases in the theatre have handrails however there are no handrails inside the auditorium apart from in the Gallery.

For Wheelchair transfers we would recommend aisle seats in the stalls. The following seats are held off for access customers - Stalls P19-20, P20-21, H1-2, I1-2. Please note Seat T19 is not suitable for a wheelchair transfer due to the pillar situated next to it. We have wheelchair positions in Stalls row F38, H38, J38, L38 and M38. Please note wheelchair positions in Row L and M can only accommodate a small standard wheelchair. These wheelchair positions are situated on a gentle incline. Boxes B and C in the Dress Circle can accommodate up to two standard wheelchairs and 2 companions.

The average seat width is 43cm and there are non-moveable arm rests in the Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle. The Gallery seating has no armrests. The doors into the boxes are only 66cm/2’2” wide – wheelchairs wider than this won’t get in. The lift door access is 86-88cm (2’2”) across all levels. The height of box barrier is 80cm (2’7”).

Below is a summary of the areas and their accessibility:

Dress Circle Bar (Lift & Stair Access)
Foyer Bar (Flat Access)
Stalls Bar (Lift & Stair Access)
Dress Circle Kiosk (Lift & Stair Access)
Upper Circle Kiosk (Stair Access Only)
Dillons Dogs Kiosk (Stair Access Only)
Coffee Kiosk (Lift & Stair Access)

Accessible toilets

We have Accessible toilets on both our Stalls and Dress circle Levels which can all be accessed via a lift in our foyer bar. Access can be gained via a radar key however our staff can provide one if needed.

Enjoying the show

Seat dimensions

The space between the armrests is 44cm/17 inches. The armrests are static. The only free-standing seats without armrests are in the Boxes in the Dress Circle and Platforms in the Upper Circle (these are all restricted view seats). Please note our Box seats have armrests but they can be swapped out with advanced notice by contacting [email protected]

Services for blind, partially sighted or otherwise visually impaired audiences

Information about our venue’s audio description, touch tours and other visual services can be found on our Visual Impairment Services page. We recommend seats in Stalls area for customers who require a closer view of the stage. For Audio Described shows you can sit in any area in the auditorium. Touch Tours may also be available to accompany Audio Described performances; this will be advertised on the web or brochure page for each show.

Services for D/deaf and hard of hearing audiences

Information about our venue’s hearing enhancement systems, signed performances and other hearing services can be found on our Hearing Impairment Services page. Our venue uses the Mobile Connect system only.

Sensory guides

We are thrilled to introduce Sensory Bags to our guests, containing a number of items that might help with this. The items are there to make your experience more relaxing and enjoyable, by helping to regulate the senses, without being disruptive to other audience members. All items are cleaned between uses. These bags can be borrowed for free during your visit and returned at the end of the show. Just ask a member of staff for more information when you arrive.’