In the meantime, here are 12 retro reasons why the Empire Theatre is such a huge part of the city.
Just look at these famous names who have graced the stage over the years, from the Beatles to Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney.
The Empire has also welcomed hundreds of local artists and attracted audiences of all ages in its illustrious history.
So as we wait for the beautiful venue to re-open, here are a selection of reasons to continue to love a top venue which is right on our doorstep.
The Empire has also welcomed hundreds of local artists and attracted audiences of all ages in its illustrious history.
![The Hairy Bikers, Si King and Dave Myers, at the Empire to film part of their Christmas special show with the cast of Lord of the Dance.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmIyMTgzODFkLTc3YTktNDFlZi1iZjNlLTEwMWFhNzQyMzU0ZjpjN2I5MDFkMy1hN2U5LTQ0ZDItOTgzYS0xYTE0YjhkYzcxYzE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
5. On stage 12 years ago
The Hairy Bikers, Si King and Dave Myers, at the Empire to film part of their Christmas special show with the cast of Lord of the Dance. Photo: CA
![Al Martino had almost finished singing "Here In My Heart" at Sunderland Empire in 1954 when from the wings his manager Tommy Layton, gave him the thumbs up sign and whispered: ''Shes here''.
It was the message that Al had been waiting for.....it meant his 23 year old fiancee, Miss Joan Kayne had completed a 3,000 mile journey from New York to see him.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmU5MDI0OWUyLTYyYWQtNGUyMS05NWRjLWUzMmE5YzI2YzRmNDo5ZDYxYTVmMS0wOWY2LTRhNWItODBlZS00NmUyYmUwNGEwZDQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
6. A heartwarmer of a story
Al Martino had almost finished singing "Here In My Heart" at Sunderland Empire in 1954 when from the wings his manager Tommy Layton, gave him the thumbs up sign and whispered: ''Shes here''. It was the message that Al had been waiting for.....it meant his 23 year old fiancee, Miss Joan Kayne had completed a 3,000 mile journey from New York to see him. Photo: se
![Students from the Caroline Oliver School of Dance and the Lisa Clinton School of Dance were rehearsing for their show at the Empire Theatre 16 years ago.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmI1ZjM3YmNkLTBiYzQtNDgwYi05MzQxLTdiN2U3MTc3NzBiMTozMDA1Yjk2My0xMzU1LTRlNjMtYjY0NC1jNjdmZTYxM2U3MGE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
7. Their big moment in 2005
Students from the Caroline Oliver School of Dance and the Lisa Clinton School of Dance were rehearsing for their show at the Empire Theatre 16 years ago. Photo: JC
![Members of the cast of Annie - Louise English, Ruth Madoc and David McAlister - were supporting the NSPCC 'Full Stop For Tea' campaign 15 years ago.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjNiOGRjNTViLTZlZTEtNDRjMy1hMzZhLWYzNWYyYTE5ZmY2OTpjZDcxODA3ZS1kMmY2LTQ3NjAtYjljZC1jMWZlZTVjYWRhNDA=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
8. The stars backing charity in 2006
Members of the cast of Annie - Louise English, Ruth Madoc and David McAlister - were supporting the NSPCC 'Full Stop For Tea' campaign 15 years ago. Photo: PB