Sunderland Shows

Al Murray: All You Need Is Guv

There’s no denying the world’s a mess daddio, but there is a glimmer of hope as the globe’s favourite Pub Landlord returns with his like-nobody-else Common Sense hot-takes for the masses, offering a much-needed truth tonic (pint for the fella/glass of white wine for the lady) for these whacked out...

Michael Starring Ben

MichaelⓇ Starring Ben is a hit theatre production starring the UK's ultimate Michael Jackson tribute star, Ben Bowman. Not only does he look and sound like the King of Pop, but he's honed his routine so carefully that audiences truly believe they are watching Michael Jackson himself.The show features a...

Annie

A welcome return Leapin' lizards! Little Orphan Annie returns to the road after a glorious West End run to bring her sunshine personality to this brand new production. Heart-warming and dripping with charm and catchy songs, Annie has been an absolute classic since first appearing on stage in 1977, introducing...

Back To The Future The Musical

Strap in for the smash hit Back to the Future The Musical, landing as part of its first ever UK tour. Winner of Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards, WhatsOnStage Awards and Broadway World Awards, this “perfect musical escapism” (Metro) is ready to take you on an electrifying journey...

Matilda The Musical

In celebration of 15 years on stage since opening at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, and following performances in 100 cities across 17 countries worldwide, Matilda now returns for a UK tour.With book by Dennis Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and directed by Matthew Warchus, Matilda is the...

Ron Sexsmith

One Night In Nashville

Venue Tour

Always wanted to know what goes on backstage at Sunderland Empire? Tread in the stardust footsteps of the young Beatles, Kate Bush, Laurel and Hardy and Gary Barlow and immerse yourself in our theatre’s 116 year history.

Nightingales UK Tour 2026

GHOST HUNT - NORTH EAST AIRCRAFT MUSEUM-SUNDERLAND

Woman in Mind

Directed by Michael Longhurst (Constellations, Caroline or Change, and former Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse) this spellbinding revival explores one woman’s fractured reality with heart and humour.When Susan sustains a bump to the head, her world splits in two—one mundane, one imagined—and the lines begin to blur. Ayckbourn’s groundbreaking...

NELSAM (Sunderland) - Ghost Hunt

Rob Lamberti Presents Perfectly George

From Wham! to George Michael’s iconic solo career, this show takes fans on a journey through his legendary hits, including Careless Whisper, Faith, I’m Your Man, Club Tropicana, and many more.Rob Lamberti, hailed as “nothing short of perfection” by West End Wilma, has become a fan favorite. The Southern Daily...

Sunderland AFC

Buy and sell tickets at StubHub for the Sunderland AFC vs Nottingham Forest FC game at Stadium of Light on 25 Apr.

Russell Howard - Don't Tell The Algorithm

After breaking records with sold-out shows across the globe, ‘one of the world’s top comedians’ (The Sunday Times) is inviting you back into the room: no phones, no distractions, just humans and jokes. Don’t tell the algorithm.

Blood Brothers

Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. The production...

Heavenly + The Cords

Vitamin String Quartet

Buy and sell tickets at StubHub for Vitamin String Quartet's concert at Town Hall Birmingham in Birmingham on 21 May 2025.

Ellen Kent: The Farewell Tour - Madama Butterfly

Senbla presents Ellen Kent’s Farewell Opera Tour featuring The Ukrainian Opera with International Soloists, Highly-Praised Chorus and Full Orchestra.

Class Act

Class Act is a community acting class for individuals aged 50+ and is based at Sunderland Empire Theatre on Tuesdays.

Bluey's Big Play

When Dad feels like a little bit of afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.Bluey’s Big Play is the theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s...

Dance Fit

A Dance Fitness class for adults. Have fun and get fit at the same time by participating in choreography that focuses on stamina, coordination, mobility and balance.

Matt Forde - Defying Calamity

In his biggest live tour to date leading political comedian Matt Forde (The Royal Variety Performance, Spitting Image, HIGNFY, British Scandal) finds positivity in life despite all the evidence to the contrary in politics and his own health.‘The most topically incisive impersonator on the block… It’s laugh-a-minute stuff, underpinned by...

Movers Ballet and Contemporary Dance

Our Movers classes are Ballet and Contemporary Dance classes for adults over 55 and run on Thursday and Friday mornings.

Community Chorus

Community Chorus is a community choir for individuals aged 55+ and is based at Sunderland Empire Theatre on Fridays.

Madball

Livewire The AC/DC Show

What's Love Got To Do With It? A Tribute to Tina Turner

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of high-energy, feel-good rock and soul, brought to life by a phenomenal live band. Packed with all the classic hits you know and love, the show delivers showstopping performances of Proud Mary, River Deep – Mountain High, Simply The Best, Private Dancer, Nutbush City...

Sunderland Empire Academy of Performing Arts

Sunderland Empire Theatre hosts a weekly performing arts academy

Connect Theatre Company

Connect Company is an inclusive theatre group for adults with additional needs.

Bright Minds Youth Theatre

Bright Minds Youth Theatre is a vibrant and inclusive youth theatre group designed specifically for neurodiverse young people between the ages of 12 and 18.

Ellen Kent: The Farewell Tour - Carmen

Senbla presents Ellen Kent’s Farewell Opera Tour featuring The Ukrainian Opera with International Soloists, Highly Praised Chorus and Full Orchestra.