Sunderland Empire

Sunderland Empire
High Street West, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR1 3EX Street map

Buy Tickets: 0844 847 1722 - or use the online links below

Spring Summer 2009 Season at The Sunderland Empire Theatre:

Little Shop of Horrors
Monday 13 to Saturday 18 April 2009

You Don't Bring Me Flowers
Sunday 19 April 2009

SpongeBob SquarePants - The Sponge Who Could Fly
Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 April 2009
The Sponge Who Could Fly – a New Musical. Take a look at what’s surfacing on the Sunderland Empire's stage direct from the hit television show... it's SpongeBob SquarePants - the Sponge Who Could Fly! Join SpongeBob, Patrick and their zany Bikini Bottom pals in a new musical as SpongeBob embarks on his dream to fly with the jellyfish. Will he take flight, or will his dream come crashing down to the ocean floor? It's a tale too exciting to be kept undersea! So come along with all the family for this exciting musical about dreams, friendship and soaring to new heights, SpongeBob SquarePants - the Sponge Who Could Fly!

Fame
Monday 27 April to Saturday 2 May 2009
Fame is the original high school musical following a group of star struck students in New York’s school for the performing arts. From auditions to graduation you will share their dreams and disappointments in the quest for success. Inspired by the Oscar winning movie, Fame the Musical has encouraged generations to reach for the stars. 30 of the UK’s finest dancers and actors have been assembled for this legendary musical which features a spine tingling finale, prompting standing ovations at every performance.

Joseph (Touring)
Monday 4 to Saturday 9 May 2009

Derek Acorah
Sunday 10 May 2009

Singin' In The Rain
Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 May 2009
The musical Singin' in the Rain features all the style and spectacle of a golden age and has a host of some of the best loved comedy routines, dance numbers, and songs ever written, including Good Morning; Make 'em Laugh; Moses Supposes; You Were Meant For Me; and of course the most famous song and dance number of all time Singin' in the Rain. Olivier award winning West End and Broadway star Tim Flavin, plays Don Lockwood, the part immortalised by Gene Kelly. Singin' In The Rain visits The Sunderland Empire Theatre as part of a National Tour and is sure to lift your spirits and send you out singing and dancing whatever the weather.

Stars On Stage
Sunday 17 May 2009

Steve Steinman's Bat - the Symphony
Monday 18 May 2009
The songs from Bat Out Of Hell performed live with a full orchestra. Steve Steinman, the creator and singing force behind three of the world’s best selling rock musical-concerts, now brings you the ultimate rock experience at the Sunderland Empire with Bat the Symphony which combines a 40 piece orchestra with the power of a rock band and the vocals of Steinman, generating what can only be described as a mind-blowing musical event. With the intensity of a rock concert and the style and grace of an opera, Steinman has combined two worlds to present these much loved songs as they were always intended to be.

The Songs of Sister Act
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Starring Michelle Gayle (Eastenders), Rowetta (Happy Mondays and X Factor) and The London Community Gospel Choir, the theatre with fill with the sound of those famous Gospel hits from the Sister Act movies making this a high energy concert production that is a must see show. So get those habits on, dig out your dancing shoes and prepare for the night of your life at the Empire Theatre in Sunderland this coming May! Fancy dress encouraged! This unforgettable concert show includes songs such Oh Happy Day; Joyful Joyful; Shout; and Ain't No Mountain High Enough.

Jimmy Carr - Joke Technician
Wednesday 20 May 2009

SCOOBY-DOO and the Pirate Ghost Live on Stage!
Friday 22 to Sunday 24 May 2009
Scooby-Doo and the gang are back! Following their sell-out success with 'Stagefright', the ultimate cartoon classic explodes onto to stage of the SUnderland Empire Theatre with a brand new show to entertain the whole family - Scooby-Doo and the Pirate Ghost. Come and see these much loved Hanna-Barbera characters as they face one hilarious situation after another, mixing their familiar blend of classic physical comedy, popular tunes and special effects into an irresistible theatrical experience which is sure to appeal equally to parents who grew up watching the television show and kids who have discovered Scooby-Doo for the first time.

The Naked Truth
Monday 25 to Wednesday 27 May 2009

Halfway To Paradise - the Billy Fury Story
Thursday 28 May 2009
All lip curling, smouldering sexiness, Billy Fury was the British Elvis and the most complete cool cat Rock 'n' Roller ever!

Reaching for the Stars
Friday 29 May 2009

Jake & Elwood - The Best Blues Brothers Show In The World...EVER!!!
Saturday 30 May 2009
The legendary Jake and Elwood Blues will be raising the roof of the Empire Theatre in Sunderland with their highly acclaimed smash hit production. Expect an electrifying night of entertainment with a packed audience enjoying timeless soul and blues numbers such as 'Everybody' and 'Sweet Home Chicago'. Also featuring new arrangements of classic numbers specifically created by the fabulous Black Rhino Band. Don't forget your hat and shades - Jake and Elwood like to see their audience dressed up and ready to party!

Joe Longthorne
Sunday 31 May 2009
The talented Joe Longthorne began his career over three decades ago with appearances on Junior Showtime, followed by grounding on the tough Northern club circuit. His big break came in 1981 when he was a finalist on London Weekend Television's Search for a Star and this lead to appearances at the London Palladium with Bob Hope and The Talk of the Town. A short time later, Joe received the Variety Club of Britain award as Most Promising Artiste of the Year. Television specials in the UK and USA followed. Joe's repertoire of voices is endless and includes hundreds of the world's top singers. During his career, Joe has received gold and platinum discs for his albums, enjoyed sell-out concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, as well as touring Australia several times. Now, Joe is looking forward to performing at the Sunderland Empire this May for one night only!

One Night Only - Farringdon School Performance
Tuesday 2 June 2009

Sunderland Schools Dance Festival
Wednesday 3 June 2009

Here Come the Boys
Thursday 4 June 2009

We Will Rock You (Touring)
Wednesday 10 to Saturday 27 June 2009
In the musical We Will Rock You Ben Elton has fashioned a hilarious, futuristic comedy around more than 24 of Queen's biggest hit songs, delivering a show that boasts the scale and spectacle that marked Queen's live performances.Ben elton says: "This show is all about legend. We take the legend of Queen and create our own fantastical story of young kids battling the mighty corporations who want to suppress their individuality and their love of music. They need a hero who can help them in their struggle, and we have two - the dreamer Galileo and his sassy sidekick Scaramouche. Guess who ends up winning?" We Will Rock You comes to the Sunderland Empire Theatre as part of a major National Tour. Expect your favourite Queen songs including We Are The Champions; Another One Bites The Dust; We Will Rock You; and, of course, Bohemian Rhapsody.

A Night of Musical Magic
Sunday 5 July 2009

Quadrophenia
Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 July 2009

Before and Beyond
Sunday 12 July 2009

Dreamboats and Petticoats
Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 July 2009

The Drifters
Sunday 19 July 2009
As one of the biggest selling bands of all time, The Drifters have collated a huge catalogue of over 50 hits, selling in excess of 214 million singles and 114 million albums across the world. This energetic show at the Sunderland Empire Theatre features the only legitimate Drifters line up in the world, performing timeless classics such as Saturday Night at the Movies; Under The Boardwalk; Come On Over To My Place; and Kissing In The Back Row of the Movies as well as a whole host of new material from the stunning new album entitled Five Decades and Moore.

Ian Lawman - Psychic Underworld
Monday 20 July 2009

Dolly
Friday 24 July 2009
A Celebration of the Leading Lady of Country. Dolly Parton is a legend. An award winning singer, composer, musician, actress and author, here we celebrate the music that made her the icon she is today. A full cast of singers, dancers and superb musicians take you on a musical journey through her early days to the arena concerts of today. A show like no other, performing hits such as 9 to 5; I Will Always Love You; Islands in the Stream; Jolene; Here You Come Again; Coat of Many Colors; and many more.

The Sunderland Proms
Saturday 25 July 2009

Boogie Nights
Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 August 2009

Remember When
Tuesday 11 August 2009

Abba Mania
Wednesday 12 August 2009

Milkshake! Live In My First Concert
Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August 2009

Elvis On Tour
Saturday 22 August 2009

Annie
Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 August 2009

Ken Dodd
Sunday 30 August 2009

80's Mania
Saturday 5 September 2009

Mrs Brown Rides Again
Tuesday 8 to Saturday 12 September 2009
Following on the heels of The Last Wedding and Good Mourning Mrs Brown, Agnes Brown and her dysfunctional family romp their way through what seems to be The Mammy’s last days at home. After overhearing a plot by her children to have her put in a home Agnes decides to prove them wrong by displaying a new lease of life. However this is not going to be as easy as it seems for along the way she must deal with...The psychiatrist trying to put her in place – or maybe away!... Her son's gay partner who wants to give birth... Her neighbours wait for a heart bypass... The prize raffle that never was... And worse of all, a family secret that everyone seems to know except her. She's back at the Sunderland Empire and she's as bad as ever!

Blood Brothers (Touring)
Monday 14 to Saturday 26 September 2009

In the Spirit with Colin Fry
Sunday 27 September 2009

Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance
Wednesday 30 September 2009

Letz Zep
Friday 2 October 2009
British band Letz Zep recreate the music of Led Zeppelin live for thousands of fans every year. In recognition of their talent they were invited to perform at the prestigious official launch party for Led Zeppelin's 'Mothership' album in Soho, London. From the classics, Stairway to Heaven and Rock and Roll, the gentle Going to California and the haunting Kashmir - a show by Letz Zep portrays the entire scope of the music of Led Zeppelin, who remain the most influential and iconic rock band of all time.

Nashville Nights & Dixie Days - the Greatest Hits of Country Music
Saturday 3 October 2009

Spooky Dance - a Halloween Special
Monday 5 October 2009

That'll Be the Day
Tuesday 6 October 2009

Roy "Chubby" Brown
Wednesday 7 October 2009
The King of controversial comedy with his trademark patchwork suit, will surprise, amuse and astonish audiences. He is outrageous, controversial but always funny. Guaranteed to make your toes curl, your eyebrows raise and put hairs on your chest his shows sell out faster than ice cream in a heatwave, but come with the warning - if easily offended please stay at home. Branded too rude for television, his live acts go from strength to strength bringing shock and awe techniques to an ever increasing audience.

Vampires Rock
Sunday 11 October 2009

Lord Of The Dance
Tuesday 13 to Sunday 18 October 2009
Already seen by over 50 million people in 40 different countries, The Lord of the Dance comes to the Sunderland Empire Theatre for a strictly limited one week season in October 2009. Much of the secret to Lord of the Dance's phenomenal success is that it speaks to all, crossing boundaries of age, gender, and cultural diversity. Its timeless, universal appeal has made Lord of the Dance one of the modern day wonders of the world, a myth to a living legend.

Evita
Tuesday 20 to Saturday 31 October 2009

Triple Bill - Birmingham Royal Ballet
Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November 2009

Cyrano - Birmingham Royal Ballet
Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November 2009

Jane McDonald
Sunday 8 November 2009

John Hylton - Real Diamond
Monday 9 November 2009

An Evening of Mediumship with Tony Stockwell
Tuesday 10 November 2009

Horrible Histories - Frightful First World War
Thursday 12 to Saturday 14 November 2009

Horrible Histories - Woeful Second World War
Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November 2009

Sound of Music - Touring
Tuesday 17 November to Saturday 5 December 2009

Peter Pan
Friday 11 December 2009 to Sunday 10 January 2010