Sunderland Empire

The theatre empire is great. The ticket price is good and the inside is pretty. Good shows for all
ages. Love it!

The Sunderland Empire is probably the nicest thing about Sunderland. It is such a gorgeous building and feels a bit out of place in post-war Sunderland - a hidden gem among all the tall grey tower blocks.

The box office is open from 12pm if you need to buy or collect tickets, and usually stays open until curtain up. The box office staff are lovely, and sometimes they do student discounts, or sell off unsold seats at cheaper rates. Please be aware that this venue are extremely strict with any kind of discounting, so you're probably best to book tickets in advance if the show is a sellout (e.g. Wicked, Billy Elliot, Lion King)

There are plenty of bars, seating areas and toilets in the theatre, and the entire front of house area is gorgeous to sit in before the house opens. The dress circle bar is a large, airy space with comfy sofas to sit in. It looks so regal and grand and has huge stained glass windows all around the space.

The auditorium itself is quite intimate. It has lots of opulent red and golds, and on the whole is beautiful to sit in. They offer an at-seat service of drinks and snacks, but I prefer going up to the bar and ordering because I can never really grab the attention of the ushers. They also sell overpriced ice cream on the side at the interval, which I always get because it's part of going to the theatre.

I didn't expect this theatre to be so regal and grand. I'm so excited to return in November to see the fabulous Miss Saigon!

I have seen quite a few different thing at the Sunderland Empire and they have all been exceptional. The last thing I saw there was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - the West End performance with Matt Baker from Blue Peter. It was absolutely amazing! The set and the cast were out of this world and it was better than some shows that I have seen in London's West End.


The Empire is one of my favourite theatres in the North East. The general atmosphere of the place appeals to me, it is a very welcoming place and the ushers are always friendly. It is decidedly smaller than some of the theatres in Newcastle, but this does not detract from the performances. In fact I think it makes it feel more personal. The seating is nice and spacious and even from the back row, you have a perfectly clear view. I was in the back row which is supposedly restricted view so the tickets are cheaper, but when we saw the Chuckle Brothers it was fine and we could hear everything that was going on too.


Last year we tried to get tickets to see the panto featuring Mickey Roomey and Michelle Heaton but it was all sold out completely. I definitely recommend the Sunderland Empire and I can't wait to go back.

What a great little theatre right in the centre of town with parking 2mins walk away and at least 3 restaurants even closer than that. The perfect setup for a great night out and they seem to get a great selection of shows over the course of the year.


Had seats on the font row of the Dress Circle which provides an excellent view of the action and although the leg room isn't exactly generous, I'm 6'2 and managed without to much of a problem.


The bar staff were friendly and helpful and you were able to take drinks into the performance as long as you opted for one of the plastic glasses provided.


All in all a great venue which I don't hesitate to recommend.

I was taken here as a surprise to see Thriller Live and i was not disappointed!!
The show itself was second to none! I was amazed all the way through. As my partner said this was as close as i could get you to seeing him, this felt like a very valid statement. The performers captured his act and stage presence to an absolute T.
The theatre itself was not a let down either, if felt very grand and was comfy. We ordered drinks both for the first half performance and the interval. The interval drinks were found easily without any hitches. Only thing i found was with a drink in hand when the show started (both first and second act) i found myself wanting to clap, click or tap to the music and there were no cup holders to put the drink into. This however was only a small thing and didnt stop me from enjoying myself, if anything i just drank my drink a little quicker.
I would recommend a night out here to absolutely anyone, great fun! Infact i have been bitten by the bug and i am looking to go again very soon (more than once).

this is my local theatre and its such a gem! since being newly renovated they have been able to get some great shows and looking at the list for next year 2009 its going to get so much better!
we will rock you, cabaret and seven brides for seven brothers are to name a few!
the staff in the box office and the theatre are all super friendly and will do anything to help you find good tickets, etc.
they alwasy have a good range of ticket prices to suit any budget and the seats are very comfy!
i love going to the empire and can't wait to go again!

This theatre is just beautiful i took my children here to see chitty chitty bang bang and it was an amazing night everyone enjoyed themselves.
The ticket prices at this theatre are really good valve for money and there always seems to be something for everyone.
The seats are very comfortable and you get enought leg room not like some places i have been to.
We got lost trying to find out seat but there was plenty of friendly staff to point us in the right direction.
It is in a great location in Sunderland so you can make a night of it with a meal and drink

Sunderland Empire Theatre is a very good, old theatre in Sunderland and one of the best in the North East. It had recently been renovated and is stunning inside. It has been very tastefully done and true to the character of the place It is located in the town centre, there is parking within walking distance, but not directly next to it. The theatre gets a lot of big shows and puts on excellent productions. The pantomimes at Christmas are very good and great for all the family to enjoy. The box office offers good value for money and cheap seats are available. It is surrounded by bars and restaurants for a good night out.

Sunderland is so very lucky to have this empire here. Located just in the town centre easy access is available and parking is just two minutes away. I have been visiting the empire for years for christmas productions, childrens school performences and my best visit was recently to see Colin Fry the medium. The empire was totally sold out, it was such a great experience and we are lucky to have such alot of famous people come to perform, most recently mickey rooney and michell heaton starred in a production. A great night out, you will enjoy it.

The theatre has a very great heritage and history, it is amazing, The shows that are on are always entertaining, the place itself is very clean. The atmosphere is fantastic! Its suitable for all of the family. The only downside is the price of the food in the intervals, i'd recommend you bring your own snacks.