This highly acclaimed concert-style production continues to captivate audiences across the UK with its spectacular re-creation of the classic songbook that made The...
Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)
Location
The Carpenters Story
This highly acclaimed concert-style production continues to captivate audiences across the UK with its spectacular re-creation of the classic songbook that made The Carpenters a legend in the world of popular music.
The outstanding vocal talents of Claire Furley and pianist / artistic director Phil Aldridge take centre-stage, accompanied by Richard Carpenter’s original orchestral arrangements from LIVE musicians, and a stage-wide backdrop of state-of-the-art video projection.
Featuring all of the Carpenters hit songs including (They Long To Be) Close To You, Yesterday Once More, We’ve Only Just Begun, Superstar, A Song For You, Rainy Days & Mondays, and many more!
‘Phenomenal vocals & great musicianship’
Evening Standard
The Carpenters Story
There are no booking fees for this production.
However, all bookings made through ATG Tickets for this venue are subject to a £2.85 Transaction fee.
The Carpenters Story Access
Access Booking line: 0800 912 6971
All bookings made may be subject to booking fees and a transaction charge.
A Sunderland Empire Visual Guide is available prior to your visit to us by emailing SunderlandEducation@theambassadors.com
A symbol resource on going to the pantomime is available to download here.
If you would like to be kept updated about future Assisted Performances by email, please contact sunderlandboxoffice@theambassadors.com.
Access Performances- Audio Description None scheduled
- Sign Language Interpreted None scheduled
- Captioned None scheduled
- SUR Titles None scheduled
- Relaxed Performances None scheduled
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.
Please note that the Upper Circle and Gallery are not accessible by lift and are therefore unsuitable for those with limited mobility.
Access performances
British Sign Language (BSL) Performances
Wicked: Thu 27 Sep, 2018 - 7.30pm
Miss Saigon: Mon 5 Nov, 2018 - 7.30pm
Peter Pan: Friday 4 Jan, 2019 – 7pm
Signer position is subject to change without notice.
Captioned Performances
Wicked: Thu 20 Sept, 2018 - 7.30pm
Miss Saigon: Tue 6 Nov, 2018 - 7.30pm
Audio Described Performances
Wicked: Thu 13 Sept, 2018 - 7.30pm
Miss Saigon: Thu 1 Nov, 2018 - 7.30pm
Relaxed Performances
Awful Auntie: Sat 30 Jun, 2018 - 10.30am
Peter Pan: Thu 27 Dec, 2018 – 5pm
For further information about the Relaxed Performance click here.Supported Experiences
During a supported experience usual arrangements are in place within the auditorium, including latecomer’s rules, and there are no technical adjustments to the performance.
Families should expect pyros, possible strobes and loud sound effects. Those who are sensory sensitive are advised to bring any equipment needed for support e.g. ear defenders.
This is not a Relaxed Performance.
What we can offer is:- Quiet spaces.
- TV relay of the performance in Dress Circle bar.
- Preparation pack available – Visual Story and Widget symbol resource, explanation of the story and characters.
- Familiarisation visits can be arranged.
- Supportive staff attending will be present.
- Early entry into Auditorium may be able to be arranged but not guaranteed.
- Families are urged to get in touch with us to explain what specific support they need to help support their visit.
Open captioned and audio described performances are sometimes scheduled. To be kept up to date, please email sunderlandboxoffice@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.
Sunderland Empire Information
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The nearest car park is The Bridges multi-story car park which is a short walk from the theatre and charge just 50p per hour after 6pm. For ease enter the postcode SR1 3PZ into your Sat Nav.
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Level access, lift, and wheelchair spaces are available on every performance. Please call 0191 566 1045 for full details.
Stalls: rows D 38, F 38, H 38, J 38, L 38, M 38.
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The Sunderland Empire has five bars where interval drinks can be pre-ordered, which is a fantastic way to avoid queuing at the bar during the interval. Tea and coffee facilities are also available. The Foyer bar has level access from High Street West which leads to the Stalls bar and the entrance to the Stalls auditorium. The Dress Circle bar is the main bar with access to all areas of the auditorium. The theatre has one main kiosk situated in the Dress Circle, however bar snacks are available at all sales points.
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A lift is available to access both the Stalls and Dress Circle seating areas.
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The Sunderland Empire has beautifully decorated and well-equipped function rooms to suit every requirement. Supported by a team of dedicated hospitality staff, the Sunderland Empire can now not only deliver the very best in live entertainment, but can also cater for your hospitality needs for groups of 10 or more.
So, whether youâre entertaining clients or just enjoying a theatre visit with your friends or family, the Sunderland Empire is committed to enhancing your theatrical experience with a whole host of hospitality packages.
For more information on how we can create that extra special experience, please contact Sharon Muldoon-Dawson on 0191 566 1055 or email SharonMuldoon-Dawson@theambassadors.com
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There is no cloakroom available at this venue.
High Street West
Sunderland
Tyne and Wear
SR1 3EX
Getting Here
Tyne and Wear Metro:
If you’re seeing a show you can travel
on Metro and the Shields Ferry for free for up to two hours before and after
the performance! We’re just a short walk from Park Lane Metro station or
Sunderland Metro station. CLICK HERE to find out more. Terms &
Conditions apply.
CLICK HERE for timetable information.
By Road:
Please be aware of busy match days - full listings can be found at SAFC
Please use Google Maps to find directions. Our full address is:
Sunderland Empire,
High Street West,
Sunderland, SR1 3EX
If travelling by bus, we recommend Simply Go where you’ll be able to plan your journey.
Parking:
Sunderland has fantastic parking. Here are a couple of options for you when visiting us, both a short walk to the theatre:
The Bridges Multi-storey Car Park
By train:
National Rail services stop at Sunderland (SUN). We recommed The Train line to help you plan your journey.
Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge.
Groups Bookings : 0330 102 7531Calls charged at local rate
Access Bookings : 0800 912 6971Stage Door / Admin:* : 0191 566 1057
ATG continues to make the safety and security of its customers and staff a priority. As such, please bear in mind that we may undertake bag checks, so recommend you leave extra time to avoid queues, and refrain from bringing suitcases rucksacks and large bags into the Theatre. Many thanks for your cooperation.
See sets and lighting up close and personal with a tour of our beautiful Edwardian theatre. Offering a unique opportunity to find out more about the Sunderland Empire, tours may include access to dressing rooms and the stage.* Tours conclude with tea and coffee.
Pre-Show Tours
Tours are regularly scheduled prior to performances, so you can experience behind the scenes action before curtain up!*
Call for details of our up-coming pre-show tours.
Private Tours
Private group tours can be arranged. Minimum and maximum group sizes apply – call for details.
How to Book
Call 0844 871 3022* or book in person at the Box Office.
Tour prices exclude show tickets. Tours are subject to availability and routes may change. Tours may involve a number of stairs, please advise us of any access requirements at booking.
*Backstage access is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.
Book online: Using the links below
Telephone Booking: 0844 871 3022 (Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge)
Groups Bookings (10+): 0330 102 7531 (Calls charged at local rate)
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)
Click here to view current groups discounts.
Access Bookings: 0844 871 7677 (Mon – Sat, 9am – 10pm. Sun 10am – 8pm. Bookings made via this line will be subject to booking fees and a transaction charge. Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge.)
To pick your own seats for The Carpenters Story at Sunderland Empire simply find the performances you'd like to see from the listings below and you'll be given the option.
ATG Theatre Card
ATG Theatre Card member benefits include:
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Most Performances
No booking fees
No transaction charge
Free Ticket Exchange
Stay informed Once you have purchased your ATG Theatre Card, remember to visit your online account and opt-in to hear from us. It’s important for our members to do this to ensure you receive up-to-date information about your benefits such as priority booking, ticket discounts and monthly newsletters.
- Discounted theatre tickets
- Priority brochure
- Free Ticket Exchange
- Discount at ATG theatre bars
- & More…
The Carpenters Story Group Bookings
Enquire here
Email: groupsales@theambassadors.com
Groups Booking line: 0333 009 5385 Calls charged at local rate.
- Reserve now, pay later
- No booking fees on selected shows
- Huge savings on the majority of shows
- Easily amendable reservations
- Reserve more than one show at once
- No deposits required
- Reservations are invoiced, and are easy for you to review and check before paying
- Tickets posted free to your door
- Pre-book hospitality packages
Find out more about Group Bookings
