As the curtain raises on a new season at the North East’s biggest theatre, here’s a round up of just some of the shows heading to the venue. For ideas on pre-theatre dining, see here.
5. Strictly Ballroom, October 10-15, 2022
Based on Baz Luhrmann’s award-winning worldwide film phenomenon, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical is heading out on a brand-new UK and Ireland tour starring Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton and BBC's Eastenders' Maisie Smith, which waltzes into Wearside from October 10-15.
Directed and co-choreographed by Britain’s best loved TV Judge, Craig Revel Horwood, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical follows arrogant, rebellious young ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings (Kevin Clifton). When his radical and daring dance style sees him fall out of favour with Australian Federation, he must dance with beginner, Fran (Maisie Smith). Together they find the courage to defy tradition and discover that to win, your steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom. Photo: submitted
6. Book of Mormon, October 18-29, 2022
It’s been announced that Broadway’s smash-hit musical The Book of Mormon will return to Sunderland with its sinfully-good show this autumn. The show, which famously laughs in the face of political correctness, will return to Wearside from October 18-29, 2022. The Book of Mormon is the smash-hit musical written by South Park creators Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez that has been seen by 17 million people so far around the world. It follows a pair of Mormon boys sent on a mission to a place a long way from their home in Salt Lake City. Photo: submitted
7. Les Misérables, November 1-19, 2022
Les Misérables will make its debut on the Sunderland Empire stage this autumn, when it plays for three weeks from November 1-19, 2022. Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s classic musical will star Dean Chisnall as Jean Valjean, Nic Greenshields as Javert, Ian Hughes as Thénardier, Will Callan as Marius, Nathania Ong as Eponine, Helen Walsh as Madame Thénardier, Samuel Wyn-Morris as Enjolras and Paige Blankson as Cosette.
Since Cameron Mackintosh first conceived this acclaimed new production in 2009 to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary it has taken the world by storm continuing to enjoy record-breaking runs in countries including North America, Australia, Japan, Korea, France and Spain.
Photo by Danny Kaan. Photo: Danny Kaan
8. White Christmas, November 28 - December 3, 2022
Direct from the West End, White Christmas will be lighting up theatres across the UK, getting Wearside audiences in the festive mood from November 28 to December 3.
Join veterans Bob Wallace (Matthew Jeans) and Phil Davis (Dan Burton) as fuelled by love, the all singing, all dancing duo follow the stunning Haynes Sisters, Betty & Judy (Jessica Daley & Emily Langham) to a Vermont lodge for a special Christmas show. Their journey takes a misstep, and their rhythm is thrown off when they discover the lodge happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's old Army General (Duncan Smith) and is in desperate need of their help.
White Christmas features the songs Blue Skies, Sisters, Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep, The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing, I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm and the most famous festive song of all, White Christmas.
Pictured is the show at the Dominion Theatre. Photo: submitted