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.
9. Aladdin, December 9, 2022 to January 2, 2023
Aladdin will fly into the Empire from Friday, December 9, 2022 to Monday, January 2, 2023 - oh, yes it will.
For the third year running, it will star Miss Rory and Tom Whalley, as Widow Twankey and the jester, with more casting to be announced in the coming months. Photo: submitted
10. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, August 2-13, 2023
The Candy Man himself, Willy Wonka, will be in town next year, as West End and Broadway smash Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical comes to the Sunderland Empire. The venue is one of a number announced as part of a first UK tour which kicks off in Milton Keynes on February 9 and will also take in locations including Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham. The production will be in Sunderland between Wednesday, August 2 and Sunday, August 13, 2023. Photo: submitted
11. Everybody's Talking About Jamie, September 19-23, 2023
Hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will be making its Sunderland Empire debut when it embarks on a second national tour. Spawned from the 2011 BBC documentary about County Durham teenager Jamie Campbell and his determination to wear a dress to prom, this most modern of musicals doesn’t shy away from tackling issues of gender identity, racism and mental well-being.
The popular show opens at The Lowry on September 7, 2023 before visiting Sunderland from September 19 to 23 next year. Photo: submitted