The Sunderland Empire

The Empire Theatre at Sunderland is a beautiful Edwardian building that has long been one of the major auditoriums in the North East of England. Now it is probably the region’s premier playhouse following an extensive recent refurbishment.

Its performing area has been extended to enable the Empire to stage the largest and most lavish productions. The first large scale shows staged in the rejuvenated Empire were Starlight Express, followed by Miss Saigon.

The increased stage area has enabled the theatre to present the Chinese State Circus with 30 of its top performers as well as its exciting aerial bungee trapeze act. Many international performers and companies have appeared at the Empire, The Ukranian National Opera of Odessa presented Madame Butterfly with Korean soprano Rosa Lee and La Traviata with Larysa Zuyenko.

The Imperial Ice Stars produced the Sleeping Beauty on Ice while the Cuban sensation Lady Salsa has strutted its stuff across its stage. It is not just foreign ensembles that have appeared at the Sunderland Empire. Romeo and Juliet was presented there by the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Prospero’’s Magical Island: the Tempest, was staged as an easy introduction to Shakespeare for the youngsters by Shakespeare4kidz. Carmen, which featured a magnificent white stallion and a troupe of gypsy dancers was sung in French while Nabucco, with some amazing special effects was performed in Italian. However both shows were given English subtitles.

Recent productions has included Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and High Society. The Love Shack was one helluva party that lasted one whole week. Fame – the Musical, which featured 30 of the best of young British talent also went on for one week.

Paul Nicholas has starred there in Jekyll and Hyde – The Musical. Blood Brothers and Jesus Christ: Superstar have both been staged at the Empire. It also presented Beauty and the Beast.

Two singalong shows with fancy dress and complimentary fun packs have been held there. One was the Sound of Music while the other was with ABBA. Postman Pat Live on Stage kept the kids happy while Sheila Ferguson in Boogie Wonderland pleased their dads.

Elkie Brooks has appeared there as have the Drifters, the Chuckle Brothers presented their show, Pirates of the River Ruther and Duncan Breeze staged A Night at the Musicals. A favourite show was Glitz Blitz and 70s Hitz.

The paranormal is taken care of by Tony Stockwell in Spirited or Colin Fry and Tony in the Best of British Mediumship and Darren Brown in Live. Comedy was left to the capable hands of Roy (Chubby) Brown, Ken Dodd and Dave Spikey.

Tribute nights are popular at the Sunderland Empire: there has been Elvis in Concert, Think Floyd, One night in Vegas, Nashville Nights and Dixie Days, One Night of Queen and Half Way to Paradise.

Local and community groups are welcome to stage their productions at the Empire. Pennywell School presented an Evening of youthful Entertainment and there is the City Choral Competition. The Sunderland Echo staged a fashion show in the theatre.

Sunderland Amateur Operatic Society presents its shows there while the Rotary Club puts on the Youth Musical Spectacular. Amateur dance shows and Razzle Dazzle Them also take place.

There is level access to the Box Office, Stalls, Stalls Bar and toilets. A lift serves the Dress Circle. Ten wheelchair spaces can be made available on request at the box office. The Empire stages many British Sign Language and audio described performances and a Sennheiser infra red system has been installed. Guide dogs are welcome in selected areas.

Photography and recording of any events is strictly prohibited.

The Sunderland Empire offers an extensive range of corporate hospitality packages with details available on 0191 566 1052. Booking can be made on a 24 hour booking service (Ticketmaster outside of box office hours) on 0870 602 1130.