Win Sunderland Empire theatre tickets, a meal for two at 808 Bar and a signed Ralph Steadman print worth £680

A free night at the opera, a meal for two and a signed Ralph Steadman – now that’s a prize worth singing about.
Top prize up for grabsTop prize up for grabs
Top prize up for grabs

To mark the arrival of Ellen Kent’s productions of La Bohème, on Friday, February 28, and Madama Butterfly, on Saturday, February 29, to Sunderland Empire we’ve teamed up with the theatre to give away a bumper prize worth £680.

The winner will receive a pair of tickets to a Puccini opera of their choice, either La Bohème or Madama Butterfly worth £80 a pair, as well as a pre-show meal for two and a bottle of wine worth £50 in total at 808 Bar & Kitchen in St Thomas Street and a signed Ralph Steadman print inspired by the show of their choice, worth £550.

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Directed by Ellen Kent, La Bohème is one of the most romantic operas ever written. It tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer.

La BohemeLa Boheme
La Boheme

The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period and will include, a brass band, snow effects and Muzetta’s dog will also make an entrance, played by local dog Binx after recent auditions were held at the theatre.

This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Muzetta’s Waltz.

Meanwhile, Madama Butterfly stars Korean soprano Elena Dee and the celebrated international soprano Alyona Kistenyova.

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Back by public demand, this award-winning opera returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.

The Ralph Steadman print inspired by La BohemeThe Ralph Steadman print inspired by La Boheme
The Ralph Steadman print inspired by La Boheme

One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet. Both operas will be sung in Italian with English subtitles.

Internationally-renowned artist Ralph Steadman, who is best known for his collaboration and friendship with the American writer Hunter S. Thompson, has produced artworks inspired by each of the operas and the winner will receive a signed print on museum quality smooth rag paper.

Ahead of the show of their choice, the winner will also receive a two-course meal-for-two with a bottle of wine at 808 Bar & Kitchen on the corner of St Thomas Street and John Street, Sunderland city centre.

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To be in with a chance of winning the prize, answer this question: which famous opera composer wrote both Madama Butterfly and La Bohème?

808 Bar & Kitchen808 Bar & Kitchen
808 Bar & Kitchen

A:: Verdi

B:: Puccini

C:: Bellini

Email your answer to [email protected] by 9am on Wednesday, February 26. The winner can choose to have a pair of tickets for either La Bohème, on Friday, February 28, and Madama Butterfly, on Saturday, February 29, and the print will correspond to that show.

Usual JPI Media competition rules apply and are available to read here.