The Biggest Shows Coming To Sunderland in 2024/2025
Kevin, May 16th, 2024There's Some Seriously Big Names On This List!
With its North East coastline, open countryside, and rolling hills - it's no wonder that Sunderland has been voted the best place to live for those under 30, or that a Sunderland man survived the Titanic! It attracts more than 1 million visitors annually to the Sunderland Airshow, has a constantly developing culture and a bustling music scene, and an even better list of theatre shows to see!
Top Theatre Shows Coming To Sunderland
Sunderland Empire, Nov 19 - 23, 2024
After much speculation, the Broadway smash hit musical is finally taking to the road in this brand new production from Ambassador Theatre Group and the Nottingham Playhouse. Telling the story of troubled teen Evan, the show dives into the themes of misunderstood youth and the ever-growing impact of technology on our lives. The original version of this Tony-winning musical was a massive hit in the West End, earning a staggering seven Olivier nominations including Best New Musical!
Sunderland Empire, Aug 4 - 9, 2025
Join Roxie Hart and her merry murderesses as they battle for fame and freedom in this satirical look at the world of celebrity and justice. Set in the roaring twenties Chicago has everything you want from a musical, sex, murder and good old Razzle Dazzle that has you intoxicated from start to finish.
Sunderland Empire, Aug 27 - 31, 2024
A haunting love story that made the world look at the pottery wheel in a whole new way, Ghost is now set to materialise in a theatre near you as this musical adaption of the 1990 film takes to the road on tour. Recounting the tale of a young couple torn apart by tragedy and their supernatural reunion, prepare for a tear-jerking experience, with a book by the movie's screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin and soundtracked by Eurythmics' Dave Stewart, including the iconic Righteous Brothers' No.1 song, 'Unchained Melody'.
Sunderland Empire, Aug 6 - 11, 2024
Join Dorothy and Co. as they step out of the London Palladium and down the Yellow Brick Road on a UK tour! Based on the beloved movie, this 5-star critically rated production is directed by Nikolai Foster, known for his work on legendary musicals such as A Chorus Line and Billy Elliot The Musical. The show features all the songs you know and love from the original, including 'Over the Rainbow', 'We're Off to See the Wizard' and 'Follow the Yellow Brick Road', all set to stunning choreography by Shay Barclay. An iconic piece of pop culture, the Wizard of Oz never fails to delight the whole family.
Only Fools and Horses - The Musical
Sunderland Empire, Nov 25 - 30, 2024
Jim Sullivan (the son of John Sullivan, who wrote the original TV landmark) has teamed up with comedy powerhouse Paul Whitehouse to bring you the mishaps, dodgy dealings, and unforgettable moments that we all know and love, live on stage. Take a trip back to 1989 as we meet Britain's most loveable rogues once again with an original score, courtesy of recording superstars Chas N Dave.
Sunderland Empire, Jun 11 - 15, 2024
The highly acclaimed Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's electrifying rock opera is coming to you as it sets out on an extensive UK tour from autumn 2023. Lacing together biblical drama with a propulsive score, director Timothy Sheader reinvents the story for the modern age, paring back the more overblown aspects of the original for a truly rocking show.
Sunderland Empire, Sep 10 - 21, 2024
If you've been waiting for a musical that features the hits of Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys and The Weeknd, then your day is finally here! & Juliet is a musical about the untold story of everyone's favourite Shakespearean heroine and is now set to tour the country in Summer 2024 into 2025 after a successful run on the West End stage!
Sunderland Empire, Apr 14 - 19, 2025
Eight-time Tony and four-time Olivier Award-winning musical smash hit Hairspray spreads its toe-tapping magic across the UK once more during a hotly anticipated regional tour in 2024! Based on the 1988 feature film, the effervescent production first wowed audiences in Seattle in the early 2000s, with acclaimed Broadway and West End runs following soon after.
Sunderland Empire, Apr 22 - 27, 2025
Based on the beloved 1968 film and James Bond creator Ian Flemming's book of the same name, follow the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts as he, his children, and Truly Scrumptious set out to outwit Baron Bombast and his terrifying child catcher. Featuring classic songs including Toot Suite and the titular Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, join the Potts family as they defy the Baron in a tale of magical flying cars, mechanical mayhem, and more!
Tina - The Tina Turner Musical
Sunderland Empire, Mar 26 - Apr 5, 2025
Everyone loves a biographical musical, and this one really is better than all the rest! Tina!, the phenomenal extravaganza based on the life of iconic songstress Tina Turner is taking to the road! Directed by Mamma Mia!'s Phyllida Lloyd, with a book by Katori Hall, the Olivier Award-nominated spectacular is the perfect night out for fans of The Queen and Rock and Roll. Get ready for an electrifying journey through Tina's life, with dazzling choreography, blazing soul, and a whole lotta love!
Sunderland Empire, Nov 5 - 16, 2024
The stunning international smash hit and audience favourite War Horse gallops back onto stages across the country. Based on Michael Morpurgo's heartbreaking novel and featuring the incredible talents of South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company, War Horse has conquered the globe with its breathtaking fusion of drama and innovative awe-inspiring puppetry.
Sunderland Empire, Aug 22 - 25, 2024
A lofty adventure awaits those who climb the ladder up to this incredible tree house. With 13 stories of fun, including a see-through swimming pool, an underground bowling alley, and much much more, it's the perfect home for Andy and Terry, who're ready to bring their brand-new play to stages across the UK. The only problem? They've not written it yet! Join these two on their zaniest adventure yet as they attempt to craft a show for the ages - with your help!
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Sunderland Empire, Nov 11 - 15, 2025
After thrilling London audiences back in 2020, Sally Cookson's innovative staging of C.S Lewis' seminal novel heads out on a new UK tour! A captivating production that uses ingenious stagecraft in the place of flashy effects to tell the story of four evacuee siblings who discover an enchanted realm at the back of a dusty old wardrobe and the epic adventure that awaits...
Sunderland Empire, Apr 8 - 12, 2025
Often referred to as the definitive staging of JB Priestley's drawing-room drama, this production from London's National Theatre is on tour this year - bringing the masterpiece to you. Debuting in 1992, this iteration has been seen all over the world, scooping awards with each revival. Original director Stephen Daldry (The Hours, Billy Elliot) returns for this jaunt, showcasing his innate understanding of the literary classic.
