Musicals in Sunderland
October 2025
Mary Poppins
- 1 October 2025 – 25 October 2025
Sunderland Empire
Mary Poppins is the beloved musical inspired by the stories of P. L. Travers and the classic Disney film. Featuring spectacular staging and timeless songs, it is touring the UK with a full-scale family production.
Book Tickets
November 2025
Sunny Afternoon
- 4 November 2025 – 8 November 2025
Empire
Sunny Afternoon is a jukebox musical telling the story of The Kinks and their rise to fame in the 1960s. It is touring the UK with classic hits, live musicians and a nostalgic look at British rock history.
Book Tickets
Top Hat The Musical
- 18 November 2025 – 22 November 2025
Sunderland Empire
Top Hat The Musical is a glamorous stage version of the classic 1935 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film. It is touring the UK with dazzling dance numbers, romantic comedy and Irving Berlin’s timeless songs.
Book Tickets
Fiddler on the Roof
- 24 November 2025 – 29 November 2025
Empire
Fiddler on the Roof is a beloved musical about tradition, family and change, set in a Jewish village in early 20th century Russia. This acclaimed production is touring the UK with rich music and moving storytelling.
Book Tickets
December 2025
Kinky Boots
- 2 December 2025 – 6 December 2025
Empire
Kinky Boots is an award-winning musical about identity, friendship and daring to be different. This bold show is touring the UK and Ireland in a new production, before moving to a limited West End season.
Book Tickets
January 2026
The Rocky Horror Show
- 19 January 2026 – 24 January 2026
Empire
The Rocky Horror Show is Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock musical celebrating individuality, freedom and fun. It is touring the UK with its cult energy, outrageous humour and audience participation.
Book Tickets
February 2026
Matilda The Musical
- 11 February 2026 – 28 February 2026
Empire
Matilda The Musical is the multi-award-winning adaptation of Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, featuring music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. It is touring the UK with its sharp humour, strong performances and inventive design.
Book Tickets
March 2026
Blood Brothers
- 17 March 2026 – 21 March 2026
Empire
Blood Brothers is Willy Russell’s powerful musical about class, fate and family, following twins separated at birth. The acclaimed production is touring the UK, moving audiences with its emotion and classic score.
Book Tickets
April 2026
Mean Girls The Musical
- 6 April 2026 – 11 April 2026
Empire
Mean Girls The Musical is a sharp and funny stage version of the hit 2004 film written by Tina Fey. It is touring the UK with fierce choreography, clever humour and a vibrant pop score.
Book Tickets
The Bodyguard
- 27 April 2026 – 2 May 2026
Sunderland Empire
The Bodyguard is a romantic thriller musical based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. It is touring the UK with a powerhouse score and stunning stage production.
Book Tickets
May 2026
Waitress
- 4 May 2026 – 9 May 2026
Sunderland Empire
Waitress is a heartfelt musical featuring songs by Sara Bareilles, telling the story of a small-town woman who finds strength and hope through baking. It is touring the UK with warmth, humour and emotional honesty.
Book Tickets
The Choir of Man
- 12 May 2026 – 16 May 2026
Empire
The Choir of Man is a feel-good concert-style show featuring nine talented singers and live musicians performing pub classics and popular hits. It is touring the UK with its trademark warmth, humour and powerhouse vocals.
Book Tickets
June 2026
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
- 5 June 2026 – 27 June 2026
Sunderland Empire
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a spectacular stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, filled with pop anthems, glitter and romance. It is touring the UK with breathtaking design and high-energy performances.
Book Tickets
July 2026
The Karate Kid The Musical
- 14 July 2026 – 18 July 2026
Sunderland Empire
The Karate Kid – The Musical is a stage adaptation of the iconic 1984 film, reimagined for UK audiences and touring the UK from spring 2026.
Book Tickets
September 2026
Dirty Dancing
- 22 September 2026 – 26 September 2026
Empire
Dirty Dancing is a stage adaptation of the iconic film, filled with romance, dance and the spirit of summer. It is touring the UK with breathtaking choreography and a soundtrack loved by generations.
Book Tickets
November 2026
Legally Blonde The Musical
- 30 November 2026 – 5 December 2026
Sunderland Empire
Legally Blonde The Musical is a fun and empowering show inspired by the film, following Elle Woods as she reinvents herself at Harvard Law School. It regularly tours the UK with charisma, comedic flair and bold song and dance.
Book Tickets
January 2027
Annie
- 18 January 2027 – 23 January 2027
Sunderland Empire
Annie is the classic family musical about optimism and hope, following a spirited orphan as she searches for her parents. The much loved show is touring the UK with a full orchestra and bright new staging.
Book Tickets
April 2027
Back to the Future The Musical
- 13 April 2027 – 8 May 2027
Empire
Back to the Future The Musical is a stage adaptation of the iconic 1985 film, featuring a thrilling mix of rock music, time travel and spectacle. It is touring the UK after success in London’s West End.
Book Tickets