Here’s just some of the highlights from a packed calendar.
9. Wizard of Oz, August 6-11
Starring RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing On Ice star The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch Of The West, this production features the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We're Off To See The Wizard with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Catch it in Sunderland from August 6-11. Photo: submitted
10. & Juliet, September 10-21
Running in Sunderland from September 10-21, join Juliet on this journey of self-discovery and second chances, told through some of the most popular pop anthems of the last three decades from songwriter Max Martin, including …Baby One More Time, Since U Been Gone, Roar, Everybody (Backstreet's Back), Love Me Like You Do and Can’t Feel My Face. Photo: submitted
11. Wicked, September 20 to October 24
The smash-hit theatre show Wicked is flying back to Sunderland Empire for a month-long run from September 20 to October 24. Based on the acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked imagines a beguiling backstory to the lives of L. Frank Baum’s beloved characters, and reveals the magic that shaped the destinies of two unlikely friends on their remarkable journey to becoming Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. Photo: submitted
12. Only Fools and Horses, November 25-30
Stick a pony in your pocket – The Trotters are back and coming to Sunderland Empire from November 25-30. Direct from a record-breaking sold-out four-year run in London’s West End, the show sees Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, Cassandra, Raquel, Boycie, Marlene, Trigger, Denzil, Mickey Pearce, Mike the Barman, the Driscoll Brothers and all the gang, hitting the road in 2024 and 2025 for a major tour of the UK and Dublin. Photo: submitted