Seven major musicals, an opera, a ballet and a panto are heading to Sunderland Empire between September and December.
September opens (5 to 10) with Alexandra Burke in Sister Act, directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. Featuring original music by Tony and 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast), Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found: a convent.
From 19 to 24 September, one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, Cats, returns to the Empire.
Then, from 26 September to 1 October, Bill Kenwright presents a new production of Ghost - The Musical with singer and actress Sarah Harding as Molly opposite Andy Moss (Hollyoaks) as Sam.Taking its inspiration from the classic movie, this reimagining features an expanded book, new music and original staging.
Just a few days later, from 4 to 8 October, the winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Sunny Afternoon, tells the tale of how one of Britain’s greatest bands of the Sixties, The Kinks, rose to stardom. Featuring their greatest hits such as "You Really Got Me", "Waterloo Sunset", "Dedicated Follower of Fashion", "All Day and All of the Night", "Lola","Sunny Afternoon" and many more, the show has music and lyrics by Ray Davies (Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music), a new book by Joe Penhall and direction by Edward Hall.
The following week (11 to 15 October) Footloose returns to Sunderland. Based on the 1980s film hit and starring Gareth Gates as Willard and Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore, the show is produced by Sell A Door Theatre Company (Avenue Q and American Idiot).
From 20 to 22, Birmingham Royal Ballet presents David Bintley’s new work The Tempest, based on Shakespeare’s play with music by Sally Beamish, and design from Rae Smith.
A week later Ellen Kent brings her production of Verdi’s Aida to the theatre with an impressive new set and the spectacular effects for which she is famous.
There’s a complete change the following evening when, again for one night only, Michelle Heaton (Liberty X) Gemma Bissix (EastEnders, Hollyoaks), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty), Polly Highton and Sarah Lawn star in Mum’s The Word 2 in which the mums are “older and wider” as they journey into their new parenting nightmare - teenagers!
Next up are The Rocky Horror Show (7 to 12 November) and Chicago (28 November to 3 December) before this year’s panto Sleeping Beauty opens on 9 December and runs until 31.