Sunderland Empire Theatre

Alexander Iles
Sunderland Empire Theatre
Sunderland Empire Theatre

Sunderland Empire Theatre attracts people from all over the country for its shows. Much loved by the people of Sunderland, this theatre is beautifully designed with one thousand eight hundred and sixty seats within and space for two thousand two hundred standing. In the past it was known for two resident ghosts and unfortunately having Sid James, famous from the Carry On films, to suffer a heart attack while on stage and pass away shortly afterwards. These events, though, are firmly in the past, and the theatre continues to grow in stature, being a part of the Ambassador Theatre Group who have led the theatre to become the flagship theatre in the North East of England.

The theatre is special in the fact that it is one of the few theatres that still has four tiers, while many others have lost these to modernisation it retains that wonder of early twentieth century theatrical design. The theatre has hosted a range of performances from comics and large performances and is proud of the fact it was the theatre where Helen Mirren performed her stage debut. It also hosted the Beatles on their first UK tour – big names fit easily into the fabric of Empire.

The theatre today hosts a range of shows from musicals, opera and ballet and due to the size of the theatre can host the largest of events with suitably dramatic sets. In 2004, the theatre was refurbished after a £4.5 million redevelopment that extended the theatre and allowed for West End Shows to be performed within the theatre. Shows like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Starlight Express that require large amounts of space can put on their productions at the Sunderland Empire and the touring companies often choose it over Newcastle’s Theatre Royal because of this.

4-5 High St WestSunderlandSR1 3EX View map
Telephone: 03330096690 Visit Now

What's on near Sunderland Empire Theatre

Poet Joe Williams
LiteratureLeeds
Chemistry at The Chemic

Leeds’ live literature regular Chemistry offers an exciting mix of open mic acts and invited headliners, this month poets Dean Wilson and Sarah-Clare Conlon.

free entry

Where to go near Sunderland Empire Theatre

Sunderland
Music venue
The Fire Station

The Fire Station in Sunderland now has a state-of-the-art auditorium, bringing a whole new wave of live music, theatre and comedy to the city.

Aphrodite
Sunderland
Shop
Aphrodite

In 1994 Aphrodite was established by two brothers, Andrew and Duncan McKenzie, who had a passion for bringing good menswear to people in their city. Since then, they have been providing designer clothing from a range of high-quality brands that have large scale appeal to those who love fashion such as Stone Island, Canada Goose, DSquared2, Kenzo & Balmain – though that list is not exhaustive as they have clothing from every brand from A-Z.

Reynolds Outdoor Centre
Sunderland
Shop
Reynolds Outdoor Centre

Reynolds Outdoor Centre has provided outdoor wear, military surplus and camping gear since 1860. In the North East of England there is a fantastic array of wilderness to explore, from hills and mountains through to beautiful valleys and seaside walks.

CoffeeHaus
Sunderland
Café or Coffee Shop
CoffeeHaus

CoffeeHaus can be found on St. Thomas Street in Sunderland city centre and came out of unused space in 808 Bar and Kitchen and what was changing rooms in the next-door Port Independent clothing to create this coffee shop.

Port Independent
Sunderland
Shop
Port Independent

Port Independent is an independent clothing retailer selling high-end fashion and quirky, carefully curated pieces.

Mowbray Park
Sunderland
Park
Mowbray Park

In the heart of Sunderland is Mowbray Park – one of the oldest parks in the North East of England. This beautiful park is wonderfully Victorian, being carefully designed to allow for a pleasant walk and fresh air in the centre of the city, while showing you plans from across the world.

D'Acqua
Sunderland
Restaurant
D’Acqua

A stone’s throw from Sunderland museum and winter gardens, is D’Acqua – an exceptional eating experience in the heart of the city. In a Grade II listed building that used to house the Sunderland and South Tyneside water board, you will be able to enjoy the ambience that resonates out of these fantastic bricks and mortar – French oak floors and handmade bricks at that.

Angelo's Ristorante
Sunderland
Restaurant
Angelo’s Ristorante

Angelo’s Ristorante is an authentic Italian restaurant in Sunniside, Sunderland. Sitting within in a Grade II listed building, the restaurant enjoys surroundings that have been carefully restored using the original features of the building, including a rare glass staircase from the 19th century.

St. Peter's Church
Sunderland
Place of worship
St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is a Grade I listed building on the campus of Sunderland University, founded originally by Benedict Biscop.

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