The Sunderland Empire Theatre is a large theatre venue located in High Street West in Sunderland, North East England.
Vesta Tilley laid the foundation stone of what is now the Sunderland Empire on 29 September 1906 and took to the stage on 1 July 1907 to officially declare the theatre open.
Masterminded by two of the contemporary heads of British theatre, Edward Moss and Osward Stoll, the Sunderland Empire theatre has undergone many changes since it opened but remains the North East’s premier entertainment venue.
Upcoming events at Sunderland Empire
Billy Elliot the Musical
Billy Elliot the Musical returns as exhilarating, hilarious and unforgettable as ever.
Michael Starring Ben
Take a journey back in time to remember Michael Jackson – the man, the music and the magic.
Miriam Margolyes
Miriam Margolyes: Full English LIVE 2026
Jersey Boys
The boys are back as the original Tony®-winning sensation returns for its 20th Anniversary Tour!
Blood Brothers
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.
The Silence of the Lambs
Dr Hannibal Lecter will see you now.
The Mousetrap
Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap
Madama Butterfly – Ellen Kent’s Farewell Opera Tour
Senbla presents Ellen Kent’s Farewell Opera Tour featuring The Ukrainian Opera with international soloists, highly-praised...
Seven Drunken Nights
Proudly celebrating its incredible 10th Anniversary Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners...
Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing
Back to The Future – The Musical
Welcome to Hill Valley! Take an electrifying ride back in time as the 1985 blockbuster...
Annie
The Smash Hit West End Musical Annie
The Choir of Man
Welcome to The Choir of Man, the best pub in the world… Come ready to drink in the excitement!
Strictly The Professionals Tour 2026
Strictly The Professionals returns - bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever
Waitress The Musical UK Tour
Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life....
Horrible Histories
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead!
The Bodyguard
The Bodyguard
Legally Blonde The Musical
Legally Blonde stars Amber Davies
Al Murray: All You Need Is Guv
The Guv will be back, baby, with a brand-new stand-up show for 2026!
Mean Girls
Mean Girls the smash hit musical comedy
Moulin Rouge! The Musical UK Tour
Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular spectacular as Moulin Rouge!
- Advertisement -