From April 2026
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Accessibility
We are proud to open our doors to everybody and make theatre accessible to all. Look out for these symbols throughout this brochure:
Audio Described – Live verbal commentary is given through headsets to assist patrons who are visually impaired. The description doesn’t change the performance for any guests, but fills in the gaps for those who require it.
BSL Interpreted – Trained British Sign Language signers stand to one side of the stage and interpret the script used by the performers at the same time as the actions are being performed.
Captioned – Similar to television subtitles, captions give patrons who are D/deaf, deafened or hard of hearing access to live performances. The actors’ words appear on display units at the side of the stage.
Relaxed – Offer a range of adaptions to both the theatre environment and the production itself. These may include reduced sound levels, removal of certain special effects and allow free movement in and out of the auditorium.
Touch Tour – Touch tour events offer immersive, sensory experiences tailored for blind and visually impaired audiences. These tours provide tactile exploration of stage sets, costumes and props before a performance, enhancing accessibility and connection to the show.
MobileConnect – The MobileConnect system amplifies the performance via your mobile phone or tablet. Audience members connected to the app will hear a live feed of the on-stage performance (with audio description, if attending an Audio Described performance), wherever they are sat in the auditorium. For more information, please visit atgtickets.com/access
Access Hosts – Dedicated members of staff will be on hand to ensure patrons with access requirements have everything they need.
Access Membership Scheme
Join our free Access Membership Scheme to book tickets for seats that meet your access requirements (including wheelchair positions). Eligible customers can also book essential companion tickets. For full details and to join visit atgtickets.com/access
To find out about our facilities and services visit atgtickets.com/sunderland-empire
Horrible Histories – The Concert
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Fri 17 & Sat 18 Apr
The Bodyguard
19/02/2026 16:13:49
For the very first time, your favourite songs and actors from the BAFTA Award-winning CBBC TV series Horrible Histories will be appearing live (and dead) on-stage!
Featuring a live band, led by Horrible Histories song master Richie Webb, with the sensational TV songs including Stupid Deaths, Charles II, Dick Turpin, the Vikings and the Monarchs song, this is one show you won’t want to miss!
Bring your singing voices for a truly horrible and hilarious new show! ★★★★★ ‘There was a deliriously wild reception for the show! You’re in for a treat!’
– Manchester Evening News
Mon 27 Apr – Sat 2 May
The international, award-winning smash hit musical The Bodyguard is back!
Starring international leading actor Sidonie Smith (Sister Act, Chicago) as Rachel Marron, Olivier Award-nominated Adam Garcia (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Wicked) as Frank Farmer, and Matt Milburn (Coronation Street) as Sy Spector.
A breathtakingly romantic thriller, featuring a whole host of irresistible classics including One Moment in Time, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You Ages 10+
The role of Rachel Marron will be played by Mireia Mambo at selected performances. Cast and performance schedule subject to change without notice.
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Waitress
‘Treat yourself to a slice of five-star musical pie’ (The Times) with Les Dennis as Old Joe for one week only!
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Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.
Brought to life by a groundbreaking, female-led creative team, this ‘warm, witty, wise and hilarious’ (Express) hit features ‘one of the best scores in years’ (The Stage) by the Grammy Award-winning Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony® Award-winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland). Ages 13+
Waitress contains some strong language, themes of domestic abuse and sexual innuendos. Discretion is advised for parents bringing children under age 13. The producers may make alterations to the published cast for any reason, at any time, and therefore cannot guarantee the appearance of any named artist.
The Choir of Man
Brimming with hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this is a pub like no other!
A wildly talented group of incredible instrumentalists, world-class wordsmiths and sensational singers, this cast of nine (extra)ordinary guys serve it all... live!
An uplifting celebration of community and friendship where everyone is welcome, don’t miss this feel-good night of foot-stomping entertainment, so good you’ll want to come back and see it again and again.
Ages 10+
★★★★★ ‘Exhilarating.’ – Daily Mail
‘Wildly entertaining. Full of raucous cheer.’
– Broadway World
Direct from the West End – welcome to The Choir of Man, the best pub in the world… come ready to drink in the excitement!
Photo by The Other Richard
Winner of ten Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Choreography, the breathtaking Moulin Rouge! The Musical comes to Sunderland from June 2026!
Enter a world of splendour, excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment, Moulin Rouge! The Musical blends revelry and romance on-stage like never before. Pop the champagne and prepare for the Spectacular Spectacular
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life on-stage, remixed in a new musical mashup extravaganza.
A theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom and –above all – Love. Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical; it is a state of mind. Ages 12+
‘An eye-popping extravaganza.’ – The Mail on Sunday ‘Completely ravishing!’ – The Independent
The Karate Kid – The Musical
The iconic 80s generation defining movie is now a dynamic new musical, featuring a Tony® Award-winning design team, an electrifying new score and groundbreaking choreography.
Daniel is the new kid in town trying to fit in until he becomes the target of Cobra Kai’s relentless star student, Johnny. Daniel struggles to find his footing, until Ali, Johnny’s ex, sees something in Daniel that no one else does. As teenage rivalry escalates, Daniel discovers guidance from Mr. Miyagi who teaches him that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, respect and that the greatest victories are won from within.
Honouring the roots of the timeless story, this musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations.
Destiny is in your hands. Wax on. Wax off. Book now.
‘Elegant, emotional and remarkable.’ – BroadwayWorld
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Burlesque The Musical
After taking the West End by storm –where it became summer 2025’s biggest hit, selling out night after night – Burlesque, a big new musical is coming to Sunderland in August.
03/02/2026 13:11
From executive producer Christina Aguilera and written by Steven Antin, based on the hit movie, Burlesque invites you to a club like no other: a hidden world beneath the city lights where sequins sparkle, seduction shimmers and lives can change in the flick of a feather boa.
Burlesque is a scintillating journey of self-discovery that absolutely sizzles, featuring powerhouse songs by Christina Aguilera, Sia and Diane Warren, alongside thrilling new numbers from Todrick Hall and Jess Folley Ages 12+
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Lord of the Dance 30th Anniversary
Lord of the Dance, the global phenomenon that redefined Irish dance, returns in 2026 to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with an extraordinary new tour.
This milestone event promises to be a grand celebration of the production’s legacy, captivating over 60 million fans in 60 countries since its debut in 1996.
Since its inception, Lord of the Dance has transformed Irish dance into a global cultural phenomenon, setting new standards for creativity and theatrical productions. Michael Flatley’s visionary show continues to amaze audiences worldwide with its captivating blend of dance, music and storytelling. He reflected, ‘This 30th Anniversary tour is a celebration of the incredible journey we’ve shared with fans over the years. It’s a testament to the enduring power of dreams and the spirit of dance. With fresh choreography, innovative staging, and an electrifying cast, we’re taking this show to the next level once again.’
Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing – the classic story on-stage – explodes with heart-pounding music, breathtaking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing.
Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
See the hit film come to life before your eyes with this fantastic, emotional and triumphant live stage show.
The iconic story features the hit songs Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me?, the heart-stopping (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, and an incredible cast of dancers.
Ages 14+
‘The biggest live theatre sensation of all time.’
– The Observer
‘The stage version is a phenomenon.’ – Sunday Mirror
THE AWARD-WINNING ORIGINAL PHENOMENON COMES HOME
Billy Elliot The Musical
The award-winning global phenomenon comes home.
Seen by almost 12 million people worldwide and honoured with more than 80 awards, Billy Elliot The Musical is one of the most beloved British musicals of all time. Ten years after it last played in its original home of London and the UK, this landmark production returns.
Set during the miners’ strike of 1984/5, Billy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class becomes a life-changing story of courage, community and self-expression.
Praised as ‘Utterly captivating’ (Daily Mail), ‘Dazzling. A triumph’ (Independent on Sunday) and ‘Pure magic’ (Sunday Express), Billy Elliot The Musical is exhilarating, hilarious and unforgettable.
★★★★★ ‘So exhilarating the audience didn’t want it to end.’ – Daily Mail
★★★★★ ‘Triumphant.’ – The Daily Telegraph
Legally Blonde The Musical
The iconic international West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy Legally Blonde The Musical is back in fashion with a huge new production.
Starring Amber Davies (Strictly Come Dancing, Pretty Woman) this ultimate feel-good rom-com follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.
Elle must prove she is more than blonde ambition, swap the changing rooms for the courtroom and learn that ‘being true to yourself never goes out of style.’ This must-see show is from the creative team behind Director Nikolai Foster’s phenomenally successful Kinky Boots. Bend and snap up your tickets today. Ages 8+
Please note that Amber Davies will not be performing at the matinee performance on Thu 3 Dec at 2.30pm when the role of Elle Woods will be played by Hannah Lowther
Photo by
Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, Emily Darling and Ethel the Mermaid on a brand new adventure full of audience interaction, incredible flying effects, giggles galore and of course... crocodiles! Fri 11 Dec 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027
Go online for performance times |
ATG+ Membership Best offer – £5 off (Selected performances)
Groups Best offer – £6 off per ticket for groups of 10+ (Selected performances)
Relaxed Mon 28 Dec 5.30pm | BSL Interpreted Sat 2 Jan 2027 1pm
Audio Described Sat 2 Jan 2027 5.30pm | Captioned Sat 2 Jan 2027 5.30pm
CLAIRE SWEENEY AS MISS
HANNIGAN
Annie
Mon 18 – Sat 23 Jan 2027
The smash hit West End production of Annie returns to Sunderland, starring Claire Sweeney as Miss Hannigan!
Set in 1930s New York, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family.
With its Tony® Award-winning book and score, Annie features unforgettable songs It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow. No under 3s admitted.
‘Lavish escapism.’ – The Daily Telegraph
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Tue 2 – Sat 6 Feb 2027
The internationally celebrated novel that captivated ten million readers and inspired a National Theatre production returns in a brand new staging more thrilling is gifted with a brilliant mind for numbers, but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life.
Inventive, gripping and moving, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story in an unforgettable theatrical event. Ages 10+
Photo by Matt Crocket of Claire Sweeney .
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Tue 9 – Sat 13 Feb 2027
Following a record-breaking three-year West End residency, two sold-out UK & Ireland tours and Amazon Studios award-winning film, the smash hit and critically-acclaimed musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie returns for the 10th anniversary tour with a brand new song.
With an original score of catchy pop tunes that will ‘blow the roof off the theatre’ (The Mail on Sunday) by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who), this ‘sparkling comingof-age musical’ (The Times) will have everybody talking about Jamie for years to come.
Winner of Best New Musical WhatsOnStage Awards. Ages 5+
G10+
Carlos Acosta’s
The Maiden of Venice
Birmingham Royal Ballet The Maiden of Venice
Thu 18 – Sat 20 Mar 2027
In this sumptuous reimagining of the 19th century classic La Bayadère, Carlos Acosta moves the action to Renaissance Venice.
With show-stopping dance that includes the famous Kingdom of the Shades, the original score by Ludwig Minkus played live by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and gorgeous designs by Anna Fleischle, this new production promises to be the ballet sensation of 2027.
Don’t miss this powerful story of love, lust, betrayal and murder.
G10+
Al Murray All You Need is Guv
Hot on the heels of a sell out 138-date tour of these green and groovy isles, The Guv will be back, baby, with a brand new stand-up show for 2026! Ages 14+
The ELO Experience – Electric Light Orchestra
23 May Sat 4 Jul
The world’s foremost multi award-winning tribute to Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light Orchestra celebrates its 20th Anniversary Year Tour in 2026. Let us take you on a magical ELO journey through time with some of the greatest music ever written and put onto vinyl. Ages 8+
Michael Starring Ben
The Proclaimers
Craig and Charlie Reid return in 2026 for a UK tour packed with iconic hits like I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) and Sunshine on Leith. The Proclaimers promise unforgettable live shows.
The Illegal Eagles
Michael Starring Ben is a hit theatre production starring the UK’s ultimate Michael Jackson tribute star, Ben Bowman. Take a journey back in time to remember Michael Jackson with a live band, dazzling costumes and the performer’s iconic dance routines. Ages 14+ Fri 24 Jul Thu 23 Jul Thu 23 Apr
The Illegal Eagles celebrate 30 years on the road with their Hotel California tour. Renowned for their uncanny ability to recreate the legendary sound of the Eagles, they promise a wonderful night of nostalgia and musical magic. Ages 14+
PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Mon 7 Sep
For more details email our Sales and Development Manager at paulamitchell@atgentertainment.com or visit atgtix.co/sunderlandcorporate
A huge thank you to our sponsors and partners
Few shows have had the global success of The Simon & Garfunkel Story with multiple sell outs worldwide, and numerous appearances at The London Palladium. Using original footage, the show tells the story of the origins and rise of the duo – with all the hits! Ages 12+
Susan Calman Tall Tales
Fri 2 Oct
Susan Calman hasn’t been on tour in ten years, but now she’s back with a brand new show. Older, but not necessarily wiser, Susan has found herself in some improbable situations over the years. Tall Tales is a show about cruising, driving tanks, cats and getting older. Ages 14+
April
Mean Girls
Horrible Histories – The Concert
Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of The Dubliners
Mon 6 – Sat 11 Apr 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat)
Tue 7 Apr 7.30pm, Thu 9 Apr 7.30pm
Fri 17 & Sat 18 Apr 2.30pm & 6.30pm
Tue 21 Apr 7.30pm
Kathleen Davis Stage School presents We Rock Wed 22 Apr 7.30pm
Al Murray: All You Need is Guv
The Bodyguard
May Waitress
The Choir of Man
Thu 23 Apr 7.30pm
Mon 27 Apr – Sat 2 May 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Sat)
Wed 29 Apr 7.30pm
Mon 4 – Sat 9 May 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat)
Thu 7 May 7.30pm
Tue 12 – Sat 16 May 7.30pm (Excl. Fri), 4pm & 8pm (Fri), 2.30pm (Sat)
Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals Sun 17 May 3pm
Emmylou Harris – Farewell Tour
Mon 18 May 7.30pm
The ELO Experience – Electric Light Orchestra Sat 23 May 7.30pm
June Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Fri 5 – Sat 27 Jun 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat, Excl. Wed 10 Jun)
Mon 22 Jun 7.30pm, Tue 23 Jun 7.30pm, Thu 25 Jun 7.30pm
July Michael Starring Ben Sat 4 Jul 7.30pm
Sunderland Schools Dance Festival Wed 8 Jul 1.30pm
Dance Schools of Sunderland Festival Wed 8 Jul 7.30pm
The Karate Kid – The Musical
The Proclaimers
Tue 14 – Sat 18 Jul 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed, Thu & Sat)
Thu 23 Jul 7.30pm
The Illegal Eagles Fri 24 Jul 7.30pm
August Burlesque The Musical Thu 6 – Sat 22 Aug 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat) Tue 18 Aug 7.30pm
September The Simon & Garfunkel Story Mon 7 Sep 7.30pm
Lord of the Dance: 30th Anniversary
Wed 9 – Sat 12 Sep 7.45pm, 2.30pm (Fri & Sat)
Dirty Dancing Tue 22 – Sat 26 Sep 7.30pm (Excl. Fri), 5pm & 8.30pm (Fri), 2.30pm (Sat)
Miriam's Full English LIVE
Wed 30 Sep 7.30pm
October Susan Calman: Tall Tales Fri 2 Oct 7.30pm
November Billy Elliot The Musical
December Legally Blonde The Musical
Wed 4 – Sat 28 Nov 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat) Mon 23 Nov 7.30pm, Tue 24 Nov 7.30pm
Tue 1 – Sat 5 Dec 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed, Thu & Sat)
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook Fri 11 Dec – Sun 3 Jan 2027 See website for details. Mon 28 Dec 5.30pm, Sat 2 Jan 1pm, Sat 2 Jan 5.30pm
January 2027 Annie Mon 18 – Sat 23 Jan 2027 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat) Tue 19 Jan 7.30pm
February The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Tue 2 – Sat 6 Feb 2027 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat) Thu 4 Feb 7.30pm
Everybody's Talking About Jamie Tue 9 – Sat 13 Feb 2027 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat)
March Birmingham Royal Ballet – The Maiden of Venice Thu 18 – Sat 20 Mar 2027 7.30pm (Thu & Fri), 2pm (Fri & Sat)
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
April Back To The Future The Musical
May The Full Monty – The Play by Simon Beaufoy
Jersey Boys
June Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical
The Silence of the Lambs
Audio Described BSL Interpreted Captioned Relaxed
Mon 22 – Sat 27 Mar 2027 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat)
Tue 13 Apr – Sat 8 May 2027 7.30pm (Excl. Sun), 2.30pm (Wed, Sat & Sun) Tue 4 May 7.30pm, Wed 5 May 7.30pm, Thu 6 May 7.30pm
Mon 17 – Sat 22 May 2027 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat)
Tue 25 May – Sat 5 Jun 2027 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed, Thu 27 May & Sat) Thu 3 Jun 7.30pm
Tue 8 – Sat 12 Jun 2027 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed, Thu & Sat)
Mon 21 – Sat 26 Jun 2027 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat) Thu 24 Jun 7.30pm
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Access tickets can be booked by joining our Access Membership Scheme. For accessibility advice, please contact us online atgtickets.com/access/contact-us or call our Access Assistance line on 0333 009 5399**
For D/deaf and hard of hearing customers our Type Talk number is 180001 0333 009 5399*
(Open daily 9am-8pm, except Christmas Day. Bank holiday hours may vary).
This brochure is available as an accessible download from atgtickets.com/sunderland-empire or contact us to request an alternative format.
*Fees apply. ** Calls to 02 & 03 numbers are charged at standard geographic rate and included in any call plan minutes.
Plan your visit
08/10/2025 20:03
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Sunderland Empire, High Street West, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR1 3EX
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