A fresh season of showstoppers has been announced in Sunderland Empire’s new What’s On Guide and it’s jam-packed with jaw-dropping productions, from West End mega musicals to family favourites and wonderful one-night shows – it’s fit to burst.
Master of mind control and psychological illusion, the multi award-winning Derren Brown returns this July with his brand-new show, ONLY HUMAN (Tue 29 Jul – Sat 2 Aug). The content of the production is under wraps, but it will as always be a mind-blowing experience that will take audiences breaths away. Prepare to be astonished!
Bring on the razzle-dazzle! Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery feature in the seductive, award-winning musical CHICAGO, returning to Sunderland Empire from Mon 4 – Sat 9 Aug and starring Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart and Darren Day as Billy Flynn.
Set amidst the decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.
Get ready for the ultimate rock experience as Bat Out of Hell (Mon 18 – Sat 23 Aug) roars back to the UK in 2025! The iconic music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf will once again shake the stage, delivering an electrifying journey that will ignite your love for rock like never before.
This heart-pounding experience, with a powerhouse eight-piece live band on stage, delivers a new production with sprawling multi-level platforms to transport you from Raven’s bedroom to the underground world of the Lost in a visual feast that pushes the boundaries of live theatre.
The award-winning, edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story is back (Mon 8 – Sat 13 Sep) and this time it stars newly announced couple Stacey Dooley (TV Presenter and Strictly Winner) and Kevin Clifton (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Chicago). Following seven West End seasons, a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour and twelve productions across the globe, Danny Robins’ (creator of the hit BBC podcasts Uncanny and The Battersea Poltergeist) 2:22 is a brilliantly funny and adrenaline-filled night where secrets emerge and ghosts may or may not appear… What do you believe? And do you dare discover the truth?
Welcome to a world of intrigue, as we invite you to step Inside Number 9 - Stage/Fright (Tue 16 – Sat 20 Sep) for a theatrical experience like no other. Expect the unexpected as the acclaimed BBC TV series comes to life on stage, fresh from a sell out West End run, weaving its signature web of twisted tales and black humour. From the eerie to the absurd, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit combines comedy and horror with a dramatic script that will leave you guessing until the very end.
Familiar characters and stories mix with brand new material by the genius of creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, who will also perform in the production, as they bring their unique brand of storytelling to Sunderland Empire.
The one where they hit the stage! FRIENDS! The Musical Parody (Tue 23 – Sat 27 Sep), the hit New York and Las Vegas sensation, is a side-splitting musical comedy packed with iconic moments from all ten seasons of the beloved television series.
From the Producers of Hairspray and the Director of The Full Monty, this humorous take on the beloved TV show blends iconic moments with laugh out loud comedy. Join Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—as they navigate love, friendship, and life's ups and downs in 1990's New York City.
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Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the World’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before, featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The timeless score includes the classic songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidoc
The Olivier Award-Winning Best New Musical, charting the euphoric highs and agonizing lows of THE KINKS, is back! Sunny Afternoon (Tue 4 – Sat 8 Nov) celebrates the raw energy, passion, and timeless sound of one of Britain’s most iconic bands, telling their story through an incredible back catalogue of chart-toppers, including “You Really Got Me”, “Lola”, and “All Day and All of the Night”. Set against the backdrop of Britain on the cusp of the rebellious '60s, Sunny Afternoon is an “exhilarating” (Financial Times) and moving celebration of the music, life, and the band that changed it all.
Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe from Tues 11 – Sat 15 Nov. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love. It’s guaranteed to delight all ages.
Effervescent, elegant and exhilarating musical classic, Top Hat, is heading out on tour visiting Sunderland Empire from Tues 18 – Sat 22 Nov. Based on the classic 1935 film which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, this production is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes. Irving Berlin’s irresistible score includes some of Hollywood’s greatest songs, the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.
Tradition! One of the greatest musicals of all time, Fiddler on the Roof (Tue 25 – Sat 29 Nov) is a classic musical of joy, revolution and community and an exuberant celebration of love and life. This is a rare opportunity to catch this critically acclaimed production featuring ‘If I Were A Rich Man’, ‘Tradition’, ‘Matchmaker’ and ‘Sunrise, Sunset.’
It’s 1905 in the tiny village of Anatevka where Tevye, a Jewish milkman, lives his life by their proud traditions. For his five daughters, that means a visit from the matchmaker. As each daughter challenges his beliefs, against the backdrop of a changing world, can Tevye hold on to his roots, or must he bend to the will of his children and learn to embrace the unfamiliar?
The Broadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical is strutting on down to Sunderland Empire this December (Tue 2 – Sat 6 Dec) on its fabulous new UK tour. This joy-filled sensation, based on a true story and hit movie, features Tony® and Grammy® winning music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a hilarious and life-affirming book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the shoe factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola - a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.
BBC Call the Midwife star Laura Main is set to sprinkle some festive magic over this year’s pantomime spectacular, Sleeping Beauty (Fri 12 Dec 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026), as the spellbinding Fairy Snowfall, joined by Channel 5 Milkshake! presenter, David Ribi, who will be the dashing Prince Vincent! Miss Rory, picking up her feather duster as Rorina the Cleaner and Tom Whalley as the side-splitting Vesta the Jester are also back for a sixth year by popular demand this Christmas in a pantomime that promises a laugh-a-minute extravaganza with stunning sets, top musical hits, fantastic costumes, and exciting special effects!
A beautiful Princess is cursed by the evil Carabosse on the eve of her 18th birthday party and can only be awoken by true love's kiss. Can the Good Fairy’s magical spell break the curse? Will she find her true love and live happily ever after?
To complement a fantastic year of upcoming productions are a host of stellar one-night shows that are certainly not to be missed. The Illegal Eagles return on Mon 1 Sept with a brand-new production celebrating 50 years since the legendary rock band’s formation in 1971. 80s Live follows swiftly behind on Thurs 4 Sept with the biggest 80s celebration to tour the UK. Fleetwood Mac fans won’t want to miss The Music of Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight (Sat 6 Sep), featuring best loved songs including Little Lies, The Chain, Rhiannon, Don’t Stop and many more. Strange but True Crime with Jennifer Rees will explore the world's most shocking and unbelievable cases on Sun 7 Sept. For the first time ever, the legendary stars of the world’s longest-running soap are stepping off the famous cobbles and onto the stage for An Audience with Coronation Street (Sun 21 Sept). Hosted by This Morning’s resident soap expert Sharon Marshall, this spectacular show will be packed with laughter, nostalgia, and more than a few jaw-dropping surprises!
Sparkle and shine! On Fri 31 Oct – Sat 1 Nov, Astravaganza Entertainment presents Nativity! The Musical, featuring favourite hits from the films, including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment and She's the Brightest Star – it’s feel-good, funny and full of Yuletide joy. Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston (Sun 9 Nov), returns to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025 after selling 100,000 tickets last year, including a UK arena tour and sold-out shows at the Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium and across the UK. Rounding off a fantastic range of one-night productions are the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group The Drifters, returning on Sun 16 Nov as part of their UK Tour and will be performing classic hits ‘Saturday Night at the Movies', ‘Under the Boardwalk’, ‘Kissin’ In The Back Row’ and many more!
Tickets for all productions are available online at www.ATGtickets.com/sunderland*
*A £3.95 transaction fee may apply.
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