Sunderland Empire
Vesta Tilley laid the foundation stone of what is now the Sunderland Empire on 29 September 1906 and took to the stage on 1 July 1907 to officially declare the theatre open. Masterminded by two of the contemporary heads of British theatre, Edward Moss and Osward Stoll, the Sunderland Empire Theatre has undergone many changes since it opened but remains the North East’s premier entertainment venue.
Sunderland Empire exclusives
Tue 17 Dec 2019 - Sun 5 Jan 2020
Cinderella
We are delighted to announce that I’m a Celebrity and Gogglebox star, Scarlett Moffat will be setting up camp in Sunderland this festive season. The much-loved local lass will be stepping into the magical role of Fairy Godmother in the enchanting tale of Cinderella!
Tue 14 Jan 2020
Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Living Dangerously
Named by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has spent his life in pursuit of extreme adventure, risking life and limb in some of the most ambitious private expeditions ever undertaken.
Sat 18 Jan 2020
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
BBC Radio’s multi award-winning antidote to panel games returns to the stage in 2020 with its sell-out touring show
Tue 21 Jan - Sat 25 Jan 2020
Curtains
It’s murder putting on a new musical – literally! Jessica Cranshaw, star of the new Broadway-bound musical Robbin Hood, has been murdered on stage on opening night!
Tue 28 Jan - Sat 1 Feb 2020
Cabaret
It’s 1931, Berlin is a haven of divine decadence and the legendary Sally Bowles is about to take the stage at the infamous Kit Kat Klub…
Thu 6 Feb - Sat 8 Feb 2020
Thriller Live
Taking you on an electrifying visual and audio journey through the magic of Michael’s 45 year musical history, you’ll experience over two hours of non-stop hits from pop to rock, soul to disco.
Tue 11 Feb - Sat 15 Feb 2020
The Sound of Music
One of the greatest musicals of all time returns to the stage in a magnificent production to enchant and enthral the young and the young at heart. Emilie Fleming will star as Maria (BBC’s Over the Rainbow) and Andrew Lancel as Captain von Trapp (Coronation Street). Together they will lead a big company and orchestra for an unforgettable night out.
Sun 16 Feb 2020
Barry Steele & Friends - The Roy Orbison Story
The one and only Barry Steele is set to put the rock back into ‘The Big O’ as he takes to the stage to commemorate this legend in the West End production of ‘The Roy Orbison Story’.
Tue 18 Feb - Sat 22 Feb 2020
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Go, Go, Go Joseph, Any Dream Will Do, Jacob and Sons, Close Every Door To Me and many more.
Tue 25 Feb 2020
Menopause The Musical 2
In our brand-new show, Cruising Through Menopause, the hysterical sequel to the smash-hit show Menopause The Musical®, we fast forward five years to catch up with the same four ladies as they set off on the high seas for tales of their lives, loves and losses.
Thu 27 Feb 2020
The Sensational 60s Experience
With a brand new production for 2019 celebrating our tenth anniversary. The Sensational 60’s Experience brings you a three hour 60’s spectacular of pure nostalgia. The show with the definite feel-good factor will transport you back to that magical decade that was the 1960’s.
Fri 28 Feb 2020
Ellen Kent's La Bohème
Senbla by arrangement with Opera International presents An Ellen Kent Production
Puccini 's LA BOHÈME
Sat 29 Feb 2020
Ellen Kent's Madama Butterfly
Senbla by arrangement with Opera International presents An Ellen Kent Production
Puccini's MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Tue 3 Mar 2020
Elvis Costello & The Imposters
Elvis Costello and The Imposters bring their new show 'Just Trust' to Sunderland, their first appearance in the city for 40 years.
Fri 6 Mar 2020
John Williams Gala - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Be transported to Hogwarts, recover the Ark of the Covenant and escape from the Jaws of cinema’s most terrifying prehistoric creatures in this sensational evening to celebrate the music of one of the greatest composers of our time!
Sun 8 Mar 2020
AJ Pritchard's 'AJ Live 2020'
Strictly favourite and serial semi-finalist AJ Pritchard is back out on the road in 2020 after his debut tour in 2019.
Thu 12 Mar - Sat 14 Mar 2020
Birmingham Royal Ballet - Swan Lake
By a moonlit lake, a grieving prince witnesses the transformation of a swan into a beautiful princess. Compelled by an evil spell to spend her days in the form of a bird, she can only be saved by the power of love.
Tue 17 Mar - Sat 21 Mar 2020
Beautiful - The Carole King Musical
Long before she was Carole King, the chart-topping music legend, she was an ordinary girl with an extraordinary talent.
Wed 25 Mar - Sat 28 Mar 2020
Million Dollar Quartet
Don’t miss your chance to discover the true story of one unforgettable night that made rock’n’roll history!
Tue 21 Apr - Sat 25 Apr 2020
An Inspector Calls
When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences.
Tue 28 Apr 2020
Walk Right Back - The Everly Brothers Story
After phenomenal sell out tours, Walk Right Back is...BACK! From the Producers of That'll be the Day, the show tells the story of the most successful duo of all time - The Everly Brothers.
Wed 29 Apr 2020
Kevin Clifton & Joanne Clifton - Burn The Floor
Kevin Clifton is back with the Burn the Floor cast in 2020…and this time Kevin will be joined by his sister Joanne Clifton!
Thu 30 Apr 2020
The Greatest Hits of Motown - How Sweet It Is
Truly outstanding, this is the best Motown experience you will ever have seen!
Fri 1 May - Sun 3 May 2020
Riverdance - The New 25th Anniversary Show
The 25th Anniversary show catapults Riverdance into the 21st century and will completely immerse you in the extraordinary and elemental power of its music and dance.
Mon 25 May - Sat 30 May 2020
Footloose
City boy Ren thinks life is bad enough when he's forced to move to a rural backwater in America. But his world comes to a standstill when he arrives at Bomont to find dancing and rock music are banned. Taking matters into his own hands, soon Ren has all hell breaking loose and the whole town on its feet.
Tue 9 Jun - Sat 13 Jun 2020
Bring It On
It’s time to BRING IT ON as the smash hit Broadway Musical back flips into the UK. Inspired by the film of the same name, Bring It On The Musical takes you on a high-flying, energy fuelled journey which tackles friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness – wrapped up in explosive choreography and tricks.
Wed 17 Jun 2020
What's Love Got To Do With It? A Tribute To Tina Turner
What's Love Got To Do With It? is the joyous new show celebrating the music of the incredible Tina Turner.
Thu 18 Jun 2020
One Night of Elvis - Lee Memphis King
Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist with consummate ease and an almost unbelievable combination of stunningly accurate vocals and incredible passion in every performance.
Fri 19 Jun 2020
The Drifters
The Drifters will be back on tour in the UK with a brand-new show performing all their classic hits from the last six decades. Following the phenomenal success of their 65th anniversary tour in 2018 and further sell-out shows in 2019, they’re bringing their live shows back for 2020.
Sat 20 Jun 2020
Jimmy Carr - Terribly Funny
Comedian Jimmy Carr knows that terrible things happen in life – but he believes the best way to cope is to make jokes about those events and not to worry about political correctness. His audiences have been warned.
Tue 21 Jul - Sat 25 Jul 2020
Heathers The Musical
Following two smash hit record breaking London West End seasons, Heathers The Musical embarks on its first national tour.
Tue 4 Aug - Sat 8 Aug 2020
Derren Brown: Showman
Derren Brown returns to the stage with his brand-new live show!
Tue 8 Sep - Sat 19 Sep 2020
MAMMA MIA!
Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA.
Tue 22 Sep - Sat 26 Sep 2020
Sunny Afternoon
Following a phenomenal two years in the West End and a sensational hit tour across the UK and Ireland in 2016, the multi Olivier Award winning ‘Dazzling’ (Guardian) musical Sunny Afternoon is back and touring the UK in 2020!
Mon 26 Oct - Sat 31 Oct 2020
Strictly Ballroom
Strictly Ballroom the Musical, based on the award-winning world-wide film phenomenon, is heading out to tour the UK and Ireland!
Wed 4 Nov - Sat 5 Dec 2020
The Phantom of the Opera
The Brilliant Original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is embarking on a major UK and Ireland tour.
