Sunderland Empire Autumn / Winter Brochure 2010

AUTUMN / WINTER 2010 BOX OFFICE 0844 847 2499 (bkg fee) www.sunderlandandempire.org.uk

COMES TO SUNDERLAND FOR THE HOLIDAYS FROM FRI 19 NOV – SAT 1 JAN

WELCOME

DIARY

TO YOUR ALL NEW SEASON GUIDE An eclectic mix of show stopping performances are guaranteed to entertain and excite this season, starting with the spectacular and lavish West End musical Hairspray starring Michael Starke and Les Dennis. And prepare to embark on a magical experience as the legendary Tommy Steele takes to the stage in the title role of Scrooge this October.

From sumptuous ballet to breathtaking tributes, children’s shows to top class comedy, there really is something for everyone over the upcoming months. And you’ll not have to dream of a White Christmas this year, as Irving Berlin’s critically acclaimed musical makes its North East premiere in November.

SEPTEMBER Tue 7 - Sat 18 September HAIRSPRAY

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Tue 14 September LAUGHTER LIVE

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Tue 21 - Sat 25 September DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’

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Sun 26 September POSTMAN PAT

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Tue 28 September VAMPIRES ROCK

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Thu 30 September SHAKESPEARE 4 KIDZ A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Looking into the New Year, we can all look on the bright side of life with the arrival of Monty Python’s Spamalot, the phenomenal Calendar Girls and teamed with the sensational story of Buddy, I’m sure you’ll agree there is a wonderful choice on offer this season.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and save £££s with a LiveCard or booking as a group.

We hope to see you very soon.

Andrew Rawlinson General Manager

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP (ATG) is the largest theatre operator in the world combining its international stature with core local values.

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET PRESENTS

ROMEO & JULIET WED 6 - SAT 9 OCT

As a successful and respected theatre provider, ATG has years of experience helping millions of customers enjoy the very best theatre and live entertainment - and now it’s your turn to be part of it.

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OCTOBER Fri 1 October MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS HOW SWEET IT IS

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Tue 9 November ROY CHUBBY BROWN

Sat 2 October SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC

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Wed 6 - Sat 9 October ROMEO & JULIET

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Sun 10 October JOHN BISHOP: LIVE

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Tue 12 October LAUGHTER LIVE

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Thu 21 October TALON THE BEST OF THE EAGLES

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Fri 22 October ABBA MANIA

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Mon 25 - Sat 30 October SCROOGE

NOVEMBER Sun 7 November REGINALD D HUNTER

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Tue 9 November LAUGHTER LIVE Thu 11 November VAGINA MONOLOGUES Sat 13 November KEN DODD Fri 19 November - Sat 1 January WHITE CHRISTMAS DECEMBER Tue 14 December LAUGHTER LIVE JANUARY Sat 8 January ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN Tue 11 January LAUGHTER LIVE

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Sun 23 January BEYOND THE BARRICADE

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Mon 24 January CIRCUS OF HORRORS

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Fri 28 January 80’S MANIA

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Sat 29 January SALLY MORGAN

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FEBRUARY Mon 28 February - Sat 5 March SPAMALOT

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MARCH Sun 6 March SWAN LAKE

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Thu 17 March BOOTLEG BEATLES

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Mon 21 - Sat 26 March CALENDAR GIRLS

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Tue 29 March - Sat 2 April BLUES BROTHERS

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APRIL Mon 18 - Sat 23 April BUDDY

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LOCAL PRODUCTIONS, COMING 23 SOON & STAGE EXPERIENCE AUDITIONS

SCROOGE 25 – 30 OCTOBER 3

SUNDERLAND’S VERY OWN COMEDY NIGHT

TUE 14 SEP JASON COOK

TUE 12 OCT DALISO CHAPONDA

TUE 9 NOV SEYMOUR MACE

Laughter Live was launched back in June and is proving to be an increasingly popular night on the comedy circuit.

Local promoter Andy Fury has scoured the clubs up and down the country once again to organise a top class line up for the next few instalments.

This intimate gig in our Melvyn P. James Suite is a great way to escape from it all and with regular drinks promotions and tickets at just £7.50, it’s not going to dent your wallet! For full details on the lines ups, please logon to sunderlandempire.org.uk Our awesome Headliners are highlighted above.

TUE 14 DEC TOM ALLEN

TUE 11 JAN GARY DELANEY

EVERY SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 8pm £7.50 Bookings for Laughter Live can only be made in person at the Box Office or by calling

0191 566 1045 (bkg fee) 4

‘FEEL GOOD FACTOR OFF THE SCALE!’ GLASGOW HERALD

‘THE PERFECT PICK ME UP’ WESTERN MAIL

Starring

MICHAEL STARKE as Edna Turnblad

and

LES DENNIS as Wilbur Turnblad The West End’s favourite musical comedy, Hairspray is taking the UK by storm, receiving rave reviews wherever it goes and now it’s coming to Sunderland!

Featuring Coronation Street and Brookside star Michael Starke as you have never seen him before and Les Dennis as the loveable Wilbur, Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart as she sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her mum and win the boy she loves.

Hairspray is the musical with everything – the ultimate feel-good show which has played to sold out houses in London, on Broadway and theatres around the globe.

Big Hair, Big Heart, Big Hit! Book Now!

TUE 7 - SAT 18 SEP Tue - Sat 7.30pm Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm Sun mat 3pm Thu mat 16 Sep 2.30pm LIVECARD £10 off top 2 prices on Tue 7 Sep otherwise £6 off top 2 price Tue – Thu

C L G E

0844 847 2499 (bkg fee) www.sunderlandempire.org.uk

Photography: Tristram Kenton

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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

A TRIBUTE TO GLEE AND OTHER GLEEFUL TUNES!

POSTMAN PAT A VERY ROYAL MISSION SUN 26 SEP 1pm & 4pm C L F Postman Pat returns to the Sunderland Empire as the newly promoted Head of the Special Delivery Service with his brand new show... A Very Royal Mission. Get ready for takeoff and join Pat and his friends for 90 minutes of fun and participation and remember no job is too big – the special delivery always gets through! Mission accomplished!

Directed and Staged by Carole Todd (Dreamboats & Petticoats, Dancing in the Streets)

Postman Pat 2009 Classic Media Distribution Limited. Original writer John Cunliffe. Lic. RMG Ltd.

DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ TUE 21 - SAT 25 SEP Tue - Sat 7.30pm, Sat mat 2.30pm LIVECARD £10 off top 2 prices on Tue 21 Sep otherwise £5 off Wed, Thu & Sat mat

C L G E An evening of singing and dancing to all your favourite songs!

Bursting with energy and feelgood fun, this brand new show features all the hits you love, including Don’t Stop Believin’, Gold Digger, Proud Mary, Somebody to Love, Keep Holding On..... plus a few surprises!

Never before has a show had so much music, dancing, haute couture and cheerleaders … all mashed-up together!

A homage to all you hairbrush-heroes!

A joyous evening for all you gleeks and gleeks-in-waiting!

This production is a tribute to Glee and is not affiliated to FOX TV or any associated company

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VAMPIRES ROCK TUE 28 SEP 7.30pm C L G Steve Steinman, a full cast of superb singers, dancers and a formidable band blast their way through some of the greatest ever rock anthems including; We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Highway to Hell, Sweet Child Of Mine, Devil Gate Drive, I Love Rock n Roll and many more! All teamed with an amazing stage set and pyrotechnics to blow your mind, this rock spectacular is not to be missed!

MUSIC, COMEDY AND FAMILY FUN

SHAKESPEARE 4 KIDZ

MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM THU 30 SEP 10.30am & 1.30pm E

Discounts for under 16s

Fairies and fun, royalty and romance, magic and misunderstandings, this Bard comedy gets a dazzling musical transformation which has proved a huge hit every time it has toured. Who can resist the story of a Duke marrying his Amazonian queen, two sets of lovers who elope into the woods, feuding fairies and a naughty sprite called Puck.

It’s enchanting entertainment for people of all ages. Simply a dream come true.

HOW SWEET IT IS FRI 1 OCT 7.30pm C L The ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of Motown is back by popular demand! This stunning live show combines first class music, together with the slickest choreography and an amazing band delivering a truly outstanding Motown experience!

Over 50 years of Motown music are remembered, so lets Get Ready to Go Loco...Down In Acapulco.

We’ll have you dancing All Night Long!

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE!

SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC SAT 2 OCT 7pm The smash-hit musical show that has been all around the world is now back in Sunderland. For those who are not yet converted, Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music is a screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full screen technicolour, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along! Fancy dress not obligatory… but highly recommended! www.singalonga.net

JOHN BISHOP: LIVE SUN 10 OCT 7.30pm The multi-award winning comedian and star of John Bishop’s Britain, Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow, Skins, Mock The Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats, performs his brand new show.

The combination of John Bishop’s ability to keep the laughs coming, along with his unique brand of observational humour, his undeniable charm and unrivalled gift of creating a relaxed atmosphere mean that the feel good factor of spending an evening in his company is absolutely priceless.

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BREATHTAKING BALLET

‘ONE DOUBTS THAT THERE IS ANY WORK, IN ANY MEDIUM, MORE EMOTIONALLY PUMMELLING THAN KENNETH MACMILLAN’S ROMEO AND JULIET’ THE TIMES

It’s love at first dance when young Romeo Montague tricks his way into the lavish masked ball of the Capulet family. The Capulets and Montagues are sworn enemies, and the passion between Romeo and the beautiful Juliet Capulet is quickly forbidden.

Boldly forgoing the approval of their families, the young lovers play by their own rules and soon their dangerous seduction is filled with secrets, as the star-crossed pair hatch a perilous plot.

Can Romeo and Juliet play tricks with life and death? Or will death play a final trick on them?

With a sweeping score by Sergei Prokofiev and soaring choreography from master of modern ballet, Kenneth MacMillan, Romeo and Juliet continues to be the all-time classic love story.

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WED 6 - SAT 9 OCT Wed - Sat 7.30pm Thu mat 2pm Sat mat 2.30pm LIVECARD £9 off top price on Wed 6 Oct otherwise £5 off top price

C L G E

0844 847 2499 (bkg fee) www.sunderlandempire.org.uk

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE HOSPITALITY Sunderland Empire has beautifully decorated and well equipped function rooms to suit every requirement. Supported by a team of dedicated hospitality staff, Sunderland Empire can now not only deliver the very best in live entertainment, but can also cater for your hospitality needs.

TALON THU 21 OCT 7.30pm C L Relive all the Eagles hits when Talon brings immensely powerful vocals and exact musical reproduction to Sunderland. Featuring all the hits from the iconic album Hotel California including New Kid In Town, Life In The Fast Lane, Wasted Time, Last Resort and of course the anthem title track, Talon evokes nostalgic memories by way of great lyrics, harmony, melody and not forgetting spectacular guitar solos.

So, whether you’re entertaining clients or just enjoying a theatre visit with your friends or family, Sunderland Empire is committed to enhancing your theatrical experience with a whole host of hospitality packages.

For more information on how we can create that extra special experience, please contact Sharon Muldoon-Dawson on 0191 566 1055 or email SharonMuldoonDawson@theambassadors.com

ABBA MANIA FRI 22 OCT 7.30pm L G

Discounts for under 16s

Abba Mania returns to the UK to bring old and new Abba fans a night not to be missed. If you’re looking for an excuse to party, reminisce or simply be entertained by the best music there has ever been, then Abba Mania is for you!

Join in and enjoy all of your favourites including Mamma Mia, Voulez Vous, plus many more.

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Bill Kenwright presents

IN

THE RECORD BREAKING LONDON PALLADIUM PRODUCTION COMES TO SUNDERLAND Tommy Steele, one of the most successful British entertainers of all time, comes to Sunderland this autumn in the title role of the ‘stunningly spectacular’ London Palladium production of Scrooge.

A legend in his own right, Tommy’s career includes over twenty hit singles, Hollywood movies such as The Happiest Millionaire, and countless award winning stage musicals such as Half a Sixpence, Hans Andersen and Singin’ in the Rain. His performances in Scrooge at the world-famous London Palladium sent him into the record books as the star to have headlined the most performances at London’s most famous theatre.

Scrooge is a heart-warming family story with stunning sets and costumes, specially created illusions by magician Paul Kieve (acclaimed for the magic effects in the Harry Potter films) and a fantastic musical score by Leslie Bricusse which features the Oscar nominated hit Thank You Very Much.

So get ready to embark on a magical theatrical experience unlike any other in the international smash-hit musical sensation Scrooge!

‘BREATHTAKING. TOMMY STEELE – WHAT A STAR!’ THE SUN

‘IT’S A TREAT. THRILLINGLY CREDIBLE GHOSTS, SPOT ON SENTIMENTALITY, A TOE TAPPING ENSEMBLE AND TOMMY STEELE’S PERFECT COMIC TIMING’ THE METRO

MON 25 - SAT 30 OCT Mon - Sat 7.30pm Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm LIVECARD DATES £10 Info off top 3 prices on Mon 25 Oct Info otherwise £5 off Tue-Fri Info C L G F

0844 847 2499 (bkg fee) www.sunderlandempire.org.uk

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BECOME A GROUP BOOKER AND SAVE £££’S! Why not make your visit to the theatre an even better one by getting it together with a group and making the most of our fabulous Group Bookings service?

Did you know, when booking 10 or more tickets you can receive the following benefits without deposit: + Advanced notification and priority booking + Generous savings per ticket + No booking fees + Pre ordering of programmes and ice creams + Confirmation invoices to help you keep track + Up to eight weeks to pay This service is completely free. All you need to do is pick a show, pick up the phone and get booking!

What’s more, for as little as £15 per person you can also enjoy; a private bar, drinks on arrival and during the interval, house programmes, cloakroom facilities and a hostess service. If you would like to add in one of our delicious buffets or champagne receptions, then just say the word.

For advice on booking as a group or to get those tickets reserved, call the Group Sales Team (weekdays 10am - 6pm) on 0844 372 7272 or email SunderlandGroups@theambassadors.com

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HIGHLIGHTS FOR GROUP BOOKERS Here is a selection of some of the savings available to groups.

PLEASE NOTE – The following concessions apply to certain prices and performances only: ABBA Mania Blues Brothers

Bootleg Beatles Buddy

Calendar Girls

Circus of Horrors Don’t Stop Believin’ Hairspray

Ken Dodd Mrs Brown One Night of Queen Romeo & Juliet Scrooge

Spamalot

Swan Lake Vagina Monologues Vampires Rock White Christmas

1 in 10 go free 10+ £5 off 20+ £5 off plus 1 in 20 free 1 in 10 go free 8+ £6/£5 off 20+ £7 off plus 1 free ticket with every 10 10+ £3 off 20+ £3 off plus 1 in 20 free 1 in 10 go free £5 off 10+ £5 off 20+ £6 off plus 1 free ticket with every 10 50+ £7 off plus 1 free ticket with every 10 1 in 10 go free Call for details 1 in 10 go free £5 off plus 1 free ticket with every 10 10+ £3.50 off 20+ £4.50 off plus 1 free ticket 50+ £5.50 off plus 1 free ticket with every 10 10+ £5 off 20+ £6 off plus 1 free ticket with every 10 50+ £7 off plus 1 free ticket with every 10 £10 of plus 1 free ticket with every 10 5+ £3 off plus 1 free ticket with every 10 1 in 10 go free 10+ £5 off 20+ £6 off plus 1 free ticket with every 10 50+ £7 off plus 1 free ticket with every 10

REGINALD D HUNTER

ROY CHUBBY BROWN

PLUS SUPPORT

TUE 9 NOV 7.30pm

SUN 7 NOV 8pm

Get ready for a barn-storming night of jokes, banter and hilarious mickey-taking from Britain’s most outrageous comedian, bar none!

A regular performer at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2002, Reginald’s career has led to him being invited to perform in venues all over the world.

He is a well-known face on primetime television shows such as 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and QI and is a frequent guest on Have I Got News For You.

Laugh till it hurts as Chubby rips into his live audiences with a non-stop battering ram of laugh-out-loud comedy guaranteed! Get the hottest ticket in town but be warned – If easily offended please stay away!

www.vaginamonologues.co.uk

VAGINA MONOLOGUES

KEN DODD

THU 11 NOV 7.30pm C L G

SAT 13 NOV 7pm G

Based on Eve Ensler’s Vagina Interviews, this hilariously witty and moving collection of tales gives voice to a chorus of lusty, outrageous, poignant, brave and thoroughly human stories. Starring Nikki Sanderson (Coronation Street, Heartbeat), Roxanne Pallett (Emmerdale, Dancing On Ice) and Sue Jenkins (Brookside), this show is as sharp as Sex and the City and as unmissable as Friends. Bring your mum, your best friend, your sister or even your granny – this is the ultimate girls night out!

Ken Dodd has enjoyed a career spanning over 50 years. His non-stop Happiness Show tour is legendary and he’s enjoyed the accolades of An Audience With..., This Is Your Life and his chart topper Tears is still in the top 10 best-sellers of all time. Showbiz honours include the Living Legend Award from the British Comedy Society, a Lifetime Achievement in the British Comedy Awards and in his home City of Liverpool been voted ‘Greatest Merseysider Of All Time’.

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MICHAEL ROSE LTD, CHRIS MORENO & MAYFLOWER THEATRE, PRESENT

A THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH PRODUCTION

TOM

AND

CHAMBERS

‘A FESTIVE TREAT, WITH SUMPTUOUS PRODUCTION VALUES TO DAZZLE YOUR SENSES’ METRO

In association with

KEN

KERCHAVAL

This is a delightful musical that is as fresh and rare as newly fallen snow. A multi-million pound production with lavish costumes and stunning sets which has won local and national acclaim. The Times called it ‘A Big, Glittery Greeting Card of a Show’. The Stage deemed it to be ‘Exhilarating’ and ‘Dazzling’.

Brimming with classic Irving Berlin hits like Blue Skies, How Deep is the Ocean, Happy Holiday, Sisters and of course the unforgettable title song White Christmas, it tells the story of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the process.

SOUTHAMPTON

ADAM

COOPER

‘A CRACKING STAGE MUSICAL FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON’ CHARLES SPENCER THE TELEGRAPH

‘A LARGE-SCALE DELIGHT FROM START TO FINISH’ HERALD

TOM CHAMBERS Winner of the 2008 series of Strictly Come Dancing, star of Holby City & BBC’s Waterloo Road

ADAM COOPER Star of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake & Billy Elliott The Movie

KEN KERCHEVAL Played Cliff Barnes on the popular American television series Dallas

Tom Chambers stars with Adam Cooper alongside Ken Kercheval, famous across the world for his role as Cliff Barnes in Dallas, who makes a welcome return to the role of General Waverley, star in the North East’s premiere of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. With an ensemble of over 30 and a dynamic 17 piece orchestra this dazzling musical is full of tap dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family over the holiday season.

FRI 19 NOV 2010 SAT 1 JAN 2011 Mon - Sat 7.30pm Sat & Wed mat 2.30pm Tue 21 Dec 2.30pm mat Fri 24 Dec 2pm & 6pm Fri 31 Dec 2.30pm mat only LIVECARD £10 off top 2 prices on Mon 22 Nov otherwise £5 off top 2 prices Mon & Tue until 14 Dec

C L G E

0844 847 2499 (bkg fee) www.sunderlandempire.org.uk

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AN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE!

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A range of events and activities are available to schools and colleges including workshops, theatre tours, pre and post show talks, school holiday activities, work experience and money saving tips. Education Resource Packs are also available for many of our productions.

ACCESS ALL AREAS! Find out more about your favourite theatre with a backstage tour! Learn about the history of our beautiful Edwardian theatre, find out more about how it is managed and see the auditorium as the stars do…from the stage!

COACHES FOR KIDZ Working with Cochranes Coaches, this scheme began in 2007 and aims to help cover the costs of getting Sunderland School pupils to the theatre.

In order to keep theatre alive, with your help, we can nurture future audiences by giving them access. Donate just £1 when booking tickets at the Box Office.

All donations are gratefully received and result in more kids, seeing more theatre.

Tours are available for groups of 10 to 30 people and are charged at £6.00 per person (concessions available) .

Please note: Due to the large number of stairs, tours are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.

For further information in regards to any of the above contact our dedicated Education and Outreach Department on 0191 566 1056 or email SunderlandEducation@ theambassadors.com

We have hundreds of free tickets to give away to under 26 year olds during 2010 – so get off the couch and away from that TV and come down to the Sunderland Empire, The West End of the North East instead! (Restrictions apply) For more information on how to claim your free ticket, log on to sunderlandempire.org.uk or email SunderlandEducation@ theambassadors.com

BRAND NEW 2011 SHOW

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN

BEYOND THE BARRICADE

SAT 8 JAN 7.30pm C L G

SUN 23 JAN 7.30pm

Celebrating 10 successful years One Night of Queen continues to rock sell out audiences worldwide, from the prestigious BBC Proms in the Park, London, to extensive tours of the USA. A stunning live concert featuring all the Queen classics including Bohemian Rhapsody, Under Pressure and Radio Ga Ga.

The most successful and popular touring show of its kind returns to Sunderland with a brand new 2011 production. Recreating original West End/Broadway musical hit songs with amazing authenticity, this cast of principal performers from Les Miserables and the West End perform songs from Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Phantom Of the Opera, We Will Rock You, Blood Brothers, and many more major hit productions, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Miserables.

‘For one night only, Queen and Freddie Mercury came back to life.’ Salt Lake Tribune (USA)

CIRCUS OF HORRORS

80’S MANIA

FOUR CHAPTERS FROM HELL MON 24 JAN 7.30pm C L G Save £3 if paid before Fri 24 Dec

Recommended for 16+

This show contains some of the greatest, most bizarre and beautiful circus acts on earth. From daredevil flying trapeze to a vampire crow woman suspended only by her hair, and whirlwind roller skaters to sword swallowers. All this plus pickled and bendy people, voodoo warriors, knife throwers and an almighty cast of 26 of the wildest, weirdest, but most of all greatest performers on earth.

FRI 28 JAN 7pm C L

Discounts for under 16s

Step back in time with Europe’s official 1980s tribute concert currently taking the UK by storm!

Culture Club, Wham, Nena, Adam Ant, Cyndi Lauper and Madonna, are just some of the legends you will see authentically re-created ‘live’ on stage! Over 35 chart topping smash hits and 60 costume changes.

‘It’s like Live Aid meets Top of the Pops with the sexy dance troupe, Legs n Co!’ Dig out your 80s fashions and prepare to party!!! www.80smaniashow.com 17

‘I FELT I MIGHT ACTUALLY DIE OF LAUGHTER’ THE INDEPENDENT

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...

Audiences all around the world have been roaring with laughter since Monty Python’s Spamalot, by Eric Idle and John DuPrez, won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2005.

Spamalot tells the legendar y tale of King Arthur and the (cancelled Knights of the Round Table and features a bevy health + safety) (or possibly a brace) of beautiful show girls, witch burnings not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people.

The show features the hilarious songs He Is Not Dead Yet, Knights Of The Round Table, Find Your Grail and of course the Nation’s Favourite Comedy Song ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE.

‘GLOR IOUS, IRRESISTIBLE, SILLINESS’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

‘A TRULY JOYOUS AND TRIUMPH ANT EVENING’ DAILY EXPRESS

‘TRULY A KNIGHT TO REMEMBER’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

‘LAUGHALOT’ THE TIMES

MON 28 FEB SAT 5 MARCH Mon - Sat 7.30pm Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm LIVECARD £10 off top 2 prices on Mon 28 Feb otherwise £6 off top 2 prices Tue - Thu & Sat mat

C L G E

0844 847 2499 (bkg fee) www.sunderlandempire.org.uk

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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

SALLY MORGAN

BOOTLEG BEATLES

PSYCHIC SALLY ON THE ROAD

THU 17 MAR 8pm C L G

SAT 29 JAN 7.30pm Fresh from her new TV Series - Psychic Sally On The Road on Living TV, Britain’s best loved celebrity psychic, Sally Morgan returns by overwhelming public demand. Most notably famous for her work with the late Princess Diana, her reputation has been built from her close relationship with many high profile celebrities. Sally now brings her amazing abilities and her tremendous personality to the stage. www.sallymorgan.tv

Relive the sights and sounds of the 60s with the world’s premier Beatle band’s spectacular two hour multi-media stage production, featuring all the classic Beatle hits. Using film footage of the period and ‘with a little help from’ their regular brass and string ensemble the show traces the history of the Fab Four from Liverpool’s Cavern Club through to Sgt Pepper.

It’s not the Beatles but you simply won’t believe it!

‘Mind boggling accuracy’ The Mail on Sunday.

FIND US ONLINE SEE US ON youtube.com/sunderlandempire

VISIT US ON facebook.com/sunderlandempire

FOLLOW US ON twitter.com/sundempire

SWAN LAKE SUN 6 MAR 2.30pm & 7.30pm C L G E Save £5 if paid before Tue 30 Nov (top 3 prices) The greatest romantic ballet of all! This is an immortal love story filled with magic, emotion and beauty. From the opulence and splendour of the magnificent court room to the exhilarating lake scenes where swans play in perfect formation, Tchaikovsky’s hauntingly beautiful music creates a truly unforgettable experience.

‘A powerful performance of the tragic tale’ ‘Graceful dancers captivated the audience’ 20

THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON COMES TO SUNDERLAND! ‘A SHOW I COULD SEE OVER AND OVER AGAIN - AND I HOPE I WILL!’ SIR CLIFF RICHARD

‘I LAUGHED AND I CRIED AND THEN I REJOICED!’ BARONESS BETTY BOOTHROYD

‘LOTS OF LAUGHS AND A FEW TEARS. THIS SHOW SHOULD BE ON EVERYONE’S CALENDAR’ JUNE WHITFIELD CBE

‘FUNNY, CHARMING AND A TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO A GROUP OF EXTRAORDINARY, ORDINARY WOMEN’ IAN HISLOP

Photograph of original cast by John Swannell

Calendar Girls has been the fastest selling tour ever and has triumphed in the West End. Now it’s coming to Sunderland as part of its final tour for one week only.

A group of ordinary women do something extraordinary and spark a global phenomenon when they persuade one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference! Based on an inspiring true story, Calendar Girls is quirky, poignant and hilarious.

Calendar Girls has sold out in every theatre it’s visited before opening. Don’t miss out and book today for the show the Mail on Sunday called ‘marvellous theatre, guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and come out singing Jerusalem!’

Star cast to be announced.

MON 21 - SAT 26 MARCH Mon - Sat 7.30pm Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm LIVECARD £5 off Mon 21 Mar

G L

0844 847 2499 (bkg fee) www.sunderlandempire.org.uk

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OH BOY! LOOKS WHO’S COMING!

TUE 29 MARCH - SAT 2 APRIL Tue - Thu 7.30pm, Fri 5.30pm & 8.30pm Sat 5pm & 8pm

MON 18 - SAT 23 APR Mon - Sat 7.30pm Wed & Sat mat 2.30pm

C L G E

LIVECARD £10 off on Tue 19 Apr otherwise £4.50 off Wed - Thu & Sat mat

The legendary Original Tribute To The Blues Brothers returns to the UK and comes to Sunderland at last! Yes folks, the show that started it all has been playing sell out tours all over Europe these past few years, but Jake and Elwood Blues know that home is where the heart is - so they’re on a serious mission to entertain you!

Featuring cast members from the original hit West End run, this all-new show brings you all those amazing, favourite and classic moments and more; including a brand new set, new twists, new moves, new songs - and freshly laundered suits!!

The boys are joined by one of Europe’s finest seven piece bands and the sassy Bluettes; playing all your favourite songs, including Everybody, Shake Ya Tail Feather, Sweet Home Chicago, Think, Respect, Gimme Some Loving and loads, loads more!

So dust off your pork pie hat, dig out your shades and prepare to party like never before!

Join The Blues Brothers for a night of the finest music, moves, thrills and spills you’re likely to see this side of Chicago!

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UNDER 16s £10 off top 2 prices, £3 off bottom 2 prices Tue - Thu & Sat mat

C L G Oh Boy! ‘The World’s most successful Rock ‘n’ Roll musical’ is back! Come and see why this sensational show, seen by over 20 million people around the world, remains loved by audiences and critics alike.

A phenomenally multi-talented cast come together to tell Buddy Holly’s story, from his meteoric rise to fame, to his final legendary performance at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Together they present two terrific hours of his greatest hits, including the timeless classics That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Rave On, Everyday and many more.

With the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba completing a stellar musical line up, Buddy is a not to be missed evening of family entertainment that will have music lovers from 8 to 80 toe tapping, hand clapping and rocking in the aisles!

ALSO COMING UP LOCAL PRODUCTIONS

STAGE EXPERIENCE 2011

TUE 19 OCT - KATHLEEN DAVIS PRESENTS MOVE IT GROOVE IT

MON 14 - WED 16 MAR MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS SUN 13 MAR THE CITY SINGS

COMING SOON

MON 14 - WED 16 MAR MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS

MON 28 MAR ESSENCE OF IRELAND

SUN 3 APR THE CHUCKLE BROTHERS

WHICH SHOW WILL GET THE SPOTLIGHT? 4 - 6 AUGUST 2011 AUDITIONS SUN 22 MAY

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SAVE TIME QUEUEING! Order your drinks on arrival at the bar and they’ll be waiting for you at the interval.

BOOKING INFORMATION BRI DG E ST

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without notice. Only one concession D KR PA Rapplied at any one time and can be proof of status is required.

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ONLINE www.SunderlandEmpire.org.uk (bkg fee) TELEPHONE 0844 847 2499 is a combined 24hr Box Office and Ticketmaster number (bkg fee)

BY POST State the performance and choice of seats (we’ll try our best to meet your requirements), plus your details and a cheque made payable to The Ambassador Theatre Group Venues with a SAE to our address above.

Design SWD swd.uk.com Print John Good

CONCESSIONS Shows with these symbols have the following concessions available:

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BOOK IN PERSON Box Office, Sunderland Empire,RDHigh ERE VED Street West, Sunderland, B E L SR1 3EX RD E LM O Mon-Sat 12pm-6pm.

On performance H RN HO days we Tclose 15 minutes after curtain up (normally 7.45pm) and on Sundays and Bank Holidays we’re open 1hr prior to performance times.

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RESTORATION FUND R D D All ticket prices Y R (excluding schools) B RA M OW have a £1 restoration levy applied.

CARD CHARGES & TICKET COLLECTION Bookings may occasionally carry a credit/debit card fee in addition to the usual transaction and booking fees. For security, when purchasing tickets by card, the card used to pay must be presented on collection from the Box Office.

ACCESS FOR ALL Level access, lift, wheelchair spaces as well as a Sennheiser Infra Red System are available. Open Captioned and Audio Described performances are occasionally scheduled. Guide dogs are welcome. If you have specific access requirements please call our dedicated Equal Access booking line on 0191 566 1056 (Mon-Fri, 10am 6pm) or email sunderlandeducation@ theambassadors.com.

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Seniors / Children / Students / Reg. Unemployed

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LiveCard holders

is also available by calling 0844 277 9856 (24 hours).

Groups of 10 or more

FRONT OF HOUSE OPENING

Schools

TIMES & LATECOMERS RULE We’re open 45 minutes prior to performance. Latecomers may not be admitted to the show until a suitable break in the performance and in some instances, not until the

Family (4 tickets max 2 adults)

Concessions may be restricted to certain price levels and performances and can be changed or withdrawn by management

STALLS STAGE

interval. The management reserve the right to refuse admission.

CONDITIONS OF SALE Tickets cannot be exchanged or money refunded.

AUTOMATED RUNNING TIMES Call 0191 566 1077 FINDING US & PARKING

By Train Most train routes to Sunderland are via Newcastle Central and can be reached within just 20 minutes by National Rail and regular Metro services.

Sat Nav / Online directions Our postcode is SR1 3EX. Parking Enter SR1 3PZ for nearest parking at The Bridges Shopping Centre multi-storey which is a short walk to the theatre.

The information in this brochure was correct at time of going to press. We reserve the right to make alterations to the published programme of events and their prices and concessions.

This brochure is printed on responsibly sourced FSC paper. Please continue to help the environment by recycling it.

PRICE BAND

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Hairspray Tue - Thu Fri - Sun

£40.50 £43.50

£37.50 £39.50

£30.50 £32.50

£23.50 £25.50

£18.50 £20.50

Don’t Stop Believin’ Tue - Thu Fri - Sat

£21.50 £25.50

£16.50 £20.50

£12.50 £15.50

£10.50 £12.50

-

£21

£20

All tickets £13.50

Postman Pat Vampires Rock

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-

-

£17.50 £21.50 £16.50

£14.50 £17.50 £12.50

All tickets £17

Shakespeare 4 Kidz How Sweet It Is

All tickets £20.50

Singalonga Sound of Music

All tickets £11

BRB Romeo & Juliet Wed - Sat

£25

£19

£11 All tickets £21

John Bishop Kathleen Davis Move It Groove It

£10

£8

£6

Talon

All tickets £18.50

Abba Mania

All tickets £18.50

Scrooge Mon - Thu eve Fri - Sat eve & Sat mat Wed mat

£31.50 £34.50 £26.50

£26.50 £32.50 £21.50

£20.50 £26.50 £18.50

All tickets £18

Reginald D Hunter

All tickets £21

Roy Chubby Brown Vagina Monologues

£18.50

£15.50

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Ken Dodd

£19.50

£16

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-

-

White Christmas Mon - Thu until 16 Dec & 1 Jan Fri & Sat and all perfs 17 – 31 Dec

£35.50

£33.50

£30

£20.50

£15

£39.50

£37.50

£35

£27

£19

Beyond the Barricade

£20

£18.50

£11.50

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-

Circus of Horrors

£26

£21

£18

£13

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All tickets £19.50

One Night of Queen

80’s Mania

All tickets £18.50

Sally Morgan

All tickets £21.50

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP

Spamalot Mon - Thu eve & Sat mat Wed mat Fri & Sat eve

£33.50 £27.50 £36

£28.50 £24.50 £32

£23.50 £19.50 £26

£18.50 £16.50 £21

£15.50 £11.50 £17

Swan Lake

£31.50

£28

£23.50

£19

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All tickets £4.50

City Sings

Please contact the Box Office for further details

Moscow State Circus

All tickets £24.50

Bootleg Beatles Calendar Girls Mon – Thu eve & mats Fri & Sat eve

£27.50 £29.50

£25.50 £27.50

£21.50 £23.50

£17.50 £19.50

£12.50 £13.50

Essence of Ireland

£23

£21

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The Blues Brothers Mon eve & Fri early Wed - Thu eve & Sat early Fri & Sat eve

18.50

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£25.50 £27.50

£23.50 £25.50

£20.50 £22.50

£17.50 £18.50

£13 £16.50

Barry Potter & His Full Blood Brother Buddy Mon eve & Wed mat Tue - Sat

All tickets £13.50 £18.50 £26.50

£22.50

£18.50

£16.50

Seating plans, price breaks and prices may vary for some productions.

£13.50

Sunderland Empire is operated by the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), who have a total of 39 venues across the UK, including 12 in the West End, and 27 regionally. ATG’s impressive portfolio of West End theatres includes Apollo Victoria, Comedy, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Lyceum, Phoenix, Piccadilly, Playhouse, Savoy, Trafalgar Studio 1 and Trafalgar Studio 2. ATG’s regional theatres include Aylesbury Waterside Theatre; Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham; Theatre Royal Brighton; Bristol Hippodrome; Churchill Theatre Bromley; Edinburgh Playhouse; Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone; King’s Theatre and Theatre Royal, Glasgow; Grimsby Auditorium; Liverpool Empire; Palace Theatre and Opera House, Manchester; Milton Keynes Theatre; New Theatre, Oxford; Richmond Theatre; Southport Theatre; Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent; Sunderland Empire; Princess Theatre, Torquay; New Wimbledon Theatre and New Wimbledon Studio; The Ambassadors Woking encompassing the New Victoria and Rhoda McGaw Theatres and the award-winning Ambassador Cinemas; Grand Opera House, York. ATG is also one of the country’s foremost theatre producers, in Britain and internationally. Current and recent ATG co-productions include The Misanthrope starring Damian Lewis and Keira Knightley; Legally Blonde, West Side Story, Guys and Dolls and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard.

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In addition you’ll receive 3 complimentary vouchers per year for show programmes saving you £10.50 ●

Priority booking for many shows

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Exclusive offers, newsletters & competitions ●

Discounts at selected regional and West End theatres ●

Occasional invitations to events

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So next time you’re making a booking, ask about LiveCard and see what you can save!

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