The Choir Of Man to visit Sunderland Empire in May 2026

The producers of THE CHOIR OF MAN, the Olivier award-nominated international smash hit musical that thrills audiences night after night in London’s West End, are delighted to announce the show’s inaugural UK Tour for 2026. Embarking on a major 38-week tour, the production will run at Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 May 2026.

THE CHOIR OF MAN is the best trip to your local you'll ever have. Here, a cast of nine (extra)ordinary guys combine beautiful harmonies and foot-stomping singalongs with world-class tap dance and soulful storytelling.

Featuring hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this uplifting celebration of community and friendship offers something for everyone - including free beer! This is feel-good, foot-stomping entertainment so good you’ll want to come back and see it again and again.

Nic Doodson, Creator and Director says: “It’s a huge moment for us to launch THE CHOIR OF MAN’s very first UK national tour. It’s incredible to see how far the show has come from our start at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017 and now, after four years in London’s West End, Olivier Award recognition, and multiple tours across Europe, Australia, and our fourth U.S. national tour in 2026, it feels incredibly special to finally be taking the show on the road at home. Bringing our pub to audiences across the UK has always been a dream.”

THE CHOIR OF MAN has previously played three sold-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and multiple sold-out US and European tours. The show is set to embark on its fourth North American tour from December to March 2026, playing in 45 cities, with 68 shows including two residencies in West Palm Beach and returning to Cleveland. THE CHOIR OF MAN’s West End journey at the Arts Theatre began in 2021 where it has enjoyed over 1000 performances with many sold-out shows and an Olivier award nomination for ‘Best Entertainment or Comedy Play’. The West End production continues to run at the Arts Theatre until 4 January 2026. In 2023 the show announced partnerships with suicide prevention charity CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably), and in 2025 came together with Signature Brew as the show’s Official Alcohol-Free Beer Partner.

THE CHOIR OF MAN is created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, directed by Nic Doodson, with musical supervision, vocal arrangements and orchestrations by Jack Blume, movement direction and choreography by Freddie Huddleston, monologues written by Ben Norris, scenic design by Oli Townsend, lighting design by Richard Dinnen, costume design and co-scenic design by Verity Sadler, sound design by Sten Severson, casting by Debbie O’Brien. Casting to be announced.

The UK Tour is produced by HH Productions, Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, Global Creative and Kenny Wax.

THE CHOIR OF MAN will hit Sunderland Empire’s stage from Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 May 2026. Tickets from £15 available online now at ATGTickets.com/ Sunderland *

* A £3.95 transaction fee may apply to online bookings.