What's on in Sunderland

Only Fools & Horses The Musical

Based on John Sullivan’s legendary television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown musical spectacular features cherished material from Britain’s best loved TV series. With a script and original score written by John’s son, Jim Sullivan, and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most lovable rogues and experience...

Ghost hunt - Ship Isis (Sunderland)

Jack and the Beanstalk Sunderland

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum, we’re bringing a GIANT helping of festive fun to Christmas 2024, with the magical Jack and the Beanstalk!

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.

New Purple Celebration - The Music Of Prince

Community Chorus

Community Chorus is based at Sunderland Empire Theatre on Fridays

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

West End mega-hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, comes as part of its first ever UK & Ireland tour. From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her triumphant transformation into a multi award-winning global superstar, Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them, winning 12 Grammy Awards...

Livewire The AC/DC Show

Hairspray The Musical

The ultimate feel-good musical is back on tour!Welcome to the 60s, where everyone’s grooving to a brand-new sound! Enter Tracy Turnblad, with big hair, big heart, and big dreams to dance her way onto national TV. On her journey to become accepted, Tracy befriends Link Larkin the teen idol, Seaweed,...

Dear Evan Hansen

THE OLIVIER, TONY® & GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING BEST MUSICALMeet Evan: an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to fit in. The thing is, on his way to fitting in, he didn’t tell the whole truth. And now must give up on a life he never dreamt he’d have....

Calamity Jane

Gosh almighty! Grab a posse because the whip crackin' musical comedy classic Calamity Jane is a rollin' on over the plains to a theatre near you. Based on the much-loved Doris Day movie, this plumb fancy new production stars the multi-award-winning West End actor and singer Carrie Hope Fletcher (Cinderella,...

Sunderland Empire Academy of Performing Arts

Sunderland Empire Theatre hosts a weekly performing arts academy.

Hugh Cornwell Plus Special Guests eXTC

Milton Jones: Ha!Milton

Milton Jones introduces brand new comedy show HA!MILTONIs HA!Milton a musical?This is not a musical. Milton Jones is tone-deaf and has no sense of rhythm, but at least he doesn’t make a song and dance about it.He has more important things to discuss. Like giraffes…and there’s a bit about tomatoesIt's...

Sunderland Empire

Sunderland Empire Theatre is the North East’s premier entertainment venue with an upgrade to a larger, flat stage,  increase in the height of the fly tower and enhancement to technology and backstage facilities.  It is now capable of staging large-scale West End productions including plays & musicals and touring shows. ...

The Royalty Theatre

The Royalty Theatre in Sunderland is the only venue in the city to provide regular dramatic productions. They stage seven plays each season from September to June including a traditional pantomime each Christmas. Their funding comes from sponsorship's, subscriptions and proceeds from outside hires.

Lumley Castle

Cafe 1851

Havelock Tower

Pop Recs

Rainton Arena

Rainton Arena ia an indoor venue with capacity for 2000 people, hosting an eclectic programme of events.

Ship Isis

The Fire Station

The Independent

The Peacock Sunderland

The Quayside Exchange

Townend Farm WMC

Victoria Gardens