Sunderland Empire Autumn 2012 Brochure

AUTUMN 2012

0844 871 3022* www.atgtickets.com/ sunderland*

MON 29 OCT - SAT 3 NOV *Booking fees apply

Priority Tickets.

Great Savings.

Buy an ATG Theatre Card today and join the 100 000 theatre lovers across the UK who are already enjoying priority tickets and great savings.

DIARY AUTUMN 2012 JULY 3 July KATHLEEN DAVIS PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS WOW!

7 July BOB THE BUILDER 14 July NORTHERN STAR THEATRE ARTS PRESENTS

SHOW ME THE STARS 17 - 21 July 42ND STREET

AUGUST

ATG Theatre Card gives you:

3 & 4 August STAGE EXPERIENCE PRESENTS FAME

Priority tickets - get the best seats first!

5 September FRANKIE BOYLE THE LAST DAYS OF SODOM 15 September ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN 18 September - 6 October DIRTY DANCING

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 18 - 20 October BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET PRESENTS SWAN LAKE

29 October - 3 November 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Free cloakroom (selected venues) Accepted at 39 venues across the UK and in the West End

HALF PRICE Opening night or £5 off †

Go to www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard Call 0844 871 7633 Visit Your nearest ATG venue Box Office

3 September DAVE STEWART THE RINGMASTER GENERAL TOUR

JANUARY 2013

FEBRUARY

24 August THE RIPPLE EFFECT

Save 10% on pre show and interval drinks

13 December - 6 January PETER PAN

25 October RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR KATHLEEN DAVIS PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS WHEN SPOOKY

Fee free ticket exchange

3 - 8 December DADDY COOL

21 January CIRCUS OF HORRORS

10 - 12 August ANGELINA BALLERINA THE MOUSICAL

39 VENUES FOR £30 JOIN TODAY!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

24 October VAMPIRES ROCK

No booking or postage fees on most shows Priority brochure

MURIEL HARRISON SCHOOL OF DANCE PRESENTS

12 January THE ELO EXPERIENCE

7 August THE WIND ROAD BOYS

1 December

22 October THE ILLEGAL EAGLES

Special ticket offers including half price on many productions

ENTER CIC PRESENTS

DECEMBER

27 October STARTED DANCING

27 February THE HAIRY BIKERS

MARCH 11 March THE BOOTLEG BEATLES 14 - 16 March BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET PRESENTS ALADDIN

13 - 24 November STARLIGHT EXPRESS

APRIL

27 November SHAMEEM KARIM SCHOOL OF DANCE

ELLEN KENT AND OPERA AND BALLET INTERNATIONAL PRESENT TOSCA

30 November SAOS

25 April

24 April

ELLEN KENT AND OPERA AND BALLET INTERNATIONAL PRESENT CARMEN

PRICE PROMISE

HALF PRICE

Many shows at Sunderland Empire

on selected performances or £5 off†

are available from just £10, with great value seats now available throughout the auditorium. Speak

ATG Theatre Card benefits are subject to availability, please check with the venue. Members can purchase up to 4 tickets and drinks with their Card.

Additional booking fees may apply on selected music, comedy and named act events. ATG reserves the right to withdraw benefits or related offers and without notice. For full Terms and Conditions please visit our website www.atgtickets.com/theatrecard. † Restrictions apply.

to a sales advisor to find the

DON’T MISS - STARLIGHT EXPRESS 13 - 24 November

right seat at the right price.

‘ELECTRIC-FAST TAPPING, LEGGY LOVELIES AND OVER-THE-TOP COSTUMES’ SUNDERLAND ECHO

STARRING

DAVE WILLETTS & MARTI WEBB Winner of the 1980 Tony Award for Best New Musical and the 2001 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical: 42nd Street is the timeless, inspiring tale of small town Peggy Sawyer’s rise from chorus line to Broadway star.

‘STREET IS QUITE A DANCING FEAT’ BIRMINGHAM POST

‘SPECTACLE AND ENERGY’ LIVERPOOL ECHO

‘NOTHING SHORT OF SPECTACULAR’ BBC NOTTINGHAM 4

And those songs! Lullaby of Broadway, We’re in the Money, Shuffle Off to Buffalo, Keep Young and Beautiful, I Only Have Eyes For You and the spectacular title number, danced down a flight of stairs that lights up as brightly as the faces of the cast. Audiences will find out what it’s like to float up to musical comedy heaven.

Directed by 42nd Street’s author and Broadway director Mark Bramble, the show features the stunning sets and costumes from the US production.

‘FULL OF BROADWAY RAZZAMATAZZ’

TUE 17 - SAT 21 JUL Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £13 - £30.50 (Premium seats also available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price opening night and Wed mat, or £6 off† AFTERNOON TEA Enjoy afternoon tea with 42nd Street from £7.50.

For details see page 23.

C G E Details page 27

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

‘42ND STREET RAZZLES AND DAZZLES IN EQUAL MEASURE’ THE JOURNAL

0844 871 3022* GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3042 www.atgtickets.com/sunderland* *Booking fees apply †Restrictions apply

5

STAGE EXPERIENCE 2012

Music by STEVEN MARGOSHES Lyrics by JACQUES LEVY Book by JOSE FERNANDEZ Based on a concept by David DeSilva (Title song Fame written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore) Light up the sky like a flame, FAME! Fame The Musical is the exhilarating stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning movie and popular TV series of the same name. This breathtaking show follows the lives of a group of students attending New York’s High School for the Performing Arts and takes audiences through the highs, lows, friendships, romances and sheer hard work that is daily life for the star-struck pupils in their quest for success. Not everyone makes it but the triumphant students perform a spine-tingling finale that will have you on your feet wanting to hear more.

THE ATG FOUNDATION PRESENTS

Photos from previous Stage Experience production of Oliver! This amateur production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of NEW YORK.

Forming part of the London Festival 2012, the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad, playwright Ursula Rani Sarma and young people from across the nation have developed a vibrant piece of new writing in five acts, inspired by the Olympic theme of truce.

FRI 3 & SAT 4 AUG 2.30pm & 7.15pm TICKETS £9 - £17 ATG THEATRE CARD Half price Friday 7.15pm† FRIDAY MATINEE OFFER 2 for 1 on top price tickets† SIGNED PERF Fri 3 Aug 7.15pm Call 0191 5661045 C Details page 27

Bugsy Malone, 2011 Stage Experience Review

‘FUNNY, ENDEARING AND UTTERLY BELIEVABLE’ SUNDERLAND ECHO

6

Sunderland is one of the most significant cities in Ambassador Theatre Group’s ambitious nationwide new writing project.

Working in partnership with Gentoo, the Sunderland Empire has brought together a group of young adults to create a brand new, one act short play, one of five developed across the UK.

Performed on the iconic Sunderland Empire stage, this compelling piece provides an insight into our culture and how young people see the world in 2012. Following the performance, there will be a screening of a specially commissioned fly-on-the-wall documentary where you will get a chance to discover how the piece was created.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be the first to see this new play, born from the heart of your own community.

FUNDED BY

0844 871 3022

*

GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3042 www.atgtickets.com/sunderland* *Booking fees apply † Restrictions apply

THE ATG FOUNDATION

GROUP ACTIVITY SUPPORTED BY

IN ASSOCIATION WITH SWD and JOHN GOOD

FRI 24 AUG 6.30pm TICKETS £6

0844 871 3022* GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3042 www.atgtickets.com/sunderland* *Booking fees apply

The 1st act of this event will be the premier of a new short play and will last approximately 30 minutes. This will be followed by an interval after which the 15 minute documentary will be screened. Images from earlier productions.

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‘THE BIGGEST LIVE THEATRE SENSATION OF ALL TIME’

THE WEST END SMASH-HIT COMES TO SUNDERLAND!

OBSERVER

Dirty Dancing is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing.

Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

Featuring hit songs, including Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart stopping I’ve Had The Time Of My Life!

‘SMASH HIT MUSICAL GIVES US ALL THE TIME OF OUR LIVES’ BRISTOL EVENING POST

★★★★

‘I’M DESPERATE TO SEE IT AGAIN AND AGAIN’ EVENING STANDARD

TUE 18 SEP - SAT 6 OCT Mon – Thu eves 7.30pm Fri 5pm & 8.30pm Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm TICKETS £10 - £48.50 (Premium seats also available)

PARTY PACKAGES See Page 23 for details SPECIAL EVENTS Company workshops and VIP Experience available from £60. Email: workshops@ dirtydancingtour.com for information

★★★★

‘ENERGETIC, BRILLIANTLY STAGED’ THE TIMES

www.dirtydancingontour.com 8

0844 871 3022* GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3042 www.atgtickets.com/sunderland* *Booking fees apply †Restrictions apply

9

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET RETURNS TO SUNDERLAND ‘ONE OF THE BEST SWAN LAKE’S AROUND’ THE EXPRESS

‘A TRIUMPH!’ THE GUARDIAN (ON SWAN LAKE)

Swan Lake

A timeless story of good, evil and the all conquering power of love.

Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is without doubt the most famous of all classical ballets. With its exquisite ensembles, lyrical pas de deux and bravura solos set to one of the world’s most achingly beautiful scores, it’s essential you secure your seats early.

SWAN LAKE THU 18 - SAT 20 OCT 2012 ALADDIN THU 14 - SAT 16 MAR 2013 Thu & Fri eves 7.30pm Fri mat 2pm, Sat mat 2.30pm

Music Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; Choreography Peter Wright, Lev Ivanov and Marius Petipa; Production Peter Wright and Galina Samsova; Designs Philip Prowse; Lighting Peter Teigen

TICKETS £11.50 - £25

Aladdin

A run-in with palace guards leads young tearaway Aladdin into a whirlwind of adventure and romance, involving unbelievable riches, love at first sight, treachery, and of course a magic lamp, and all that it contains. These UK premiere performances of David Bintley’s magical tale of love, trickery and triumph promise to be a real treat.

Music Carl Davis; Choreography David Bintley; Sets Dick Bird; Costumes Sue Blane; Lighting Mark Jonathan Supported (2013) by The John Ellerman Foundation, the estate of Margery Bremner and the estate of Pamela Green

10

Swan Lake photograph by Bill Cooper (left), Aladdin photograph by Hidemi Seto (top)

(Premium seats also available)

ATG THEATRE CARD AND BRB FRIENDS Half price opening night or £5 off† SCHOOLS 10+ £6 † UNDER 16’s Half price C G E Details page 27

0844 871 3022* GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3042 www.atgtickets.com/sunderland* *Booking fees apply †Restrictions apply

11

PATRICIA RESNICK MUSIC & LYRICS BY DOLLY PARTON WRITTEN BY

DIRECTED BY JEFF

CALHOUN

9 TO 5: The Musical is a hilarious new musical comedy, based on the hit movie and centres on three office workers who turn the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss. They conspire to take control of the company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do - even in a man’s world. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 TO 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business.

BASED ON THE 20TH CENTURY FOX PICTURE ORIGINALLY PRODUCED ON BROADWAY BY ROBERT GREENBLATT, APRIL 2009 12

FEISTY, FUN AND OH SO FABULOUS! This show features Dolly Parton’s original hit title song, 9 to 5, which won her an Oscar nomination and 4 Grammy Award nominations along with her new Tony® and Grammy nominated score. With 18 original numbers, including Backwoods Barbie and Shine Like the Sun, that mix Broadway and pop with Dolly’s signature witty lyrics it will have you kicking up your heels. Leave your daily grind behind and join in on the fun.

MON 29 OCT - SAT 3 NOV Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £15 - £33.50 (Premium seats also available)

ATG THEATRE CARD Half price opening night or £5 off† CHILDREN £10 off † C G F E Details page 27

0844 871 3022* GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3042 www.atgtickets.com/sunderland* *Booking fees apply †Restrictions apply

13

BILL KENWRIGHT

BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP PRESENTS

A BRAND NEW PRODUCTION FOR 2012!

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S ‘DAZZLING’ MUSICAL

‘YOU HAVE TO SEE IT, AND STILL YOU WON’T BELIEVE IT’

A NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE PRODUCTION

DAILY TELEGRAPH

‘EXTREMELY IMPRESSIVE, SUPERB, IT’S A REAL KNOCK-OUT’ BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

‘PHENOMENALLY SPECTACULAR, TREMENDOUSLY FUN’ THE STAGE

‘THE SHEER SPEED AND GLITZ MAKE THIS SHOW AN AMAZING PIECE OF THEATRE’ YORKSHIRE POST

‘AN EVENING OF FIRST CLASS ENTERTAINMENT’ BROADWAY WORLD

Bill Kenwright presents one of the best loved, longest running and most unique musicals in theatrical history.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Rock-On-Roller skating sensation Starlight Express explodes back onto the stage with a new production for 2012, destined to take the UK by electrifying storm.

Light years ahead of the rest, this futuristic tale about love and hope in the face of adversity promises to take you on the ride of a lifetime - with two hours of speed, spectacle, energy and turbo charged excitement, combined with an electrifying sound track, dazzling sets and costumes, some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most memorable musical hits and extraordinary nonstop roller-choreography by TV’s favourite dance show judge Arlene Phillips.

‘A MUSICAL THAT SURPASSES EVERYTHING AROUND IN EVERY DIMENSION’ DAILY EXPRESS 14

BUCKLE UP; THE RACE IS TRULY BACK ON!

TUE 13 - SAT 24 NOV Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed, Sat & Thu 15 mats 2.30pm TICKETS £19.50 - £39.50 (Premium seats also available)

ATG THEATRE CARD £5 off Tue 13, Wed 14, Mon 19 & Tue 20† SCHOOLS 10+ £15 Best Available Tue 13 - Thu 15† C G E Details page 27

0844 871 3022* GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3042 www.atgtickets.com/sunderland* *Booking fees apply †Restrictions apply

15 11

FROM THE WEST END-THE ORIGINAL FEEL-GOOD DISCO MUSICAL!

STARRING

JANE McDONALD & SHEILA FERGUSON Following its highly successful run in London’s West End and Berlin, a recent record breaking sell-out tour in the Netherlands, Daddy Cool returns to the UK for its first National Tour!!

Young Sunny comes to London from Jamaica with his head filled with dance and music. He meets Rose on his arrival but they lose touch. Years later a dance competition brings them back together again, but with it an old conflict between their mothers (Pearl & Ma Baker) - centred around the local king of dance Daddy Cool, and which threatens the growing love between Sunny and Rose.

But with a little magic and lots of great music, there’s a pretty good chance that love will find a way.

In an all-new light, sound and dance-driven production, Daddy Cool brings you the toe-tapping beats of Boney M, Milli Vanilli, No Mercy, Eruption and La Bouche, with world-wide smash hits including Sunny, Mary’s Boychild, Rasputin, Brown Girl In The Ring, Ma Baker, Girl I’m Gonna Miss You, Girl You Know It’s True, Sweet Dreams, I Can’t Stand The Rain, Daddy Cool and more!

Re-live the music... or find it for the first time! Daddy Cool will be a night to remember and a party not to forget!

MON 3 - SAT 8 DEC Mon - Sat eves 7.30pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm TICKETS £10 - £29.50 (Premium seats also available)

ATG THEATRE CARD £10 off opening night, or £5 off† SCHOOLS 10+ Best Available £12.50† C G E Details page 27

0844 871 3022* GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3042 www.atgtickets.com/sunderland* *Booking fees apply †Restrictions apply

16

Photography from the 2011 Dutch production

17

A MAGICAL PANTOMIME AWASH WITH SWASH AND BUCKLE! MARTIN DODD FOR UK PRODUCTIONS BY ARRANGEMENT WITH GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL CHILDREN’S CHARITY AND SAMUEL FRENCH LIMITED PROUDLY PRESENT

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE DECEMBER 2012

Adapted from the book by J.M. Barrie Hook your tickets now for the thrilling and fun-packed Christmas pantomime Peter Pan! Fly away on a magical journey to Sunderland’s Neverland with Peter and Wendy. But watch out for the dastardly captain Hook and his pirates behind you!

With spectacular costumes and sets, stunning effects, hilarious jokes, song and dance and lots of audience participation, Peter Pan is fantastic festive fun for everyone aged 3 to 103!

Thu 13

7pm

Fri 14

1.30pm

Sat 15

2.30pm

7pm

Sun 16

1pm

5pm

Mon 17

No performances

Tue 18

1.30pm

7pm

Wed 19

1.30pm

7pm

Thu 20

No performances

Fri 21

1.30pm

Sat 22

2.30pm

7pm

Sun 23

1pm

5pm

Mon 24

1.30pm

5pm

Tue 25

No performances

Wed 26

2.30pm

Thu 27

2.30pm

7pm

Fri 28

2.30pm

7pm

Sat 29

2.30pm

7pm

Sun 30

1pm

5pm

Mon 31

2.30pm

7pm

7pm

JANUARY 2013

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS (restrictions apply)

ATG THEATRE CARD HOLDERS Half price tickets 13 & 18 Dec or £5 off on the following performances: 14, 15, 16, 19 & 31 Dec and 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Jan. (Premium seats and top 3 prices only)

FAMILY GROUPS 3+ (Must include 1 child per group): £15 tickets on all performances.

SENIOR CITIZENS £15 tickets on all perfs.

(Top 2 prices only)

GROUPS 10+ £15 in stalls and dress circle or £9.50 in upper circle and gallery on performances.

SCHOOL GROUPS 10+ £8 plus 1 free with every 10 sold on the following performances: 14, 18, 19 & 21 Dec.

Tue 1

No performances

Wed 2

2.30pm

7pm

Thu 3

2.30pm

7pm

Fri 4

2.30pm

7pm

Sat 5

2.30pm

7pm

Sun 6

1pm

TICKETS £10 - £25 (Premium seats are also available)

SIGNED PERFORMANCES Wed 19 Dec 1.30pm Fri 21 Dec 7pm (call 0191 5661045) FREE WORKSHOPS See page 22 for details.

(Top 2 prices only)

0844 817 3022 www.atgtickets.com/sunderland *Booking fees apply

18

19

GET IN THE HABIT OF BOOKING AS A GROUP AND SAVE £££s!

COMING SOON - ON SALE NOW ‘HOT-BLOODED, A JOY’ THE INDEPENDENT ON CARMEN

‘IMPASSIONED AND SULTRY’ THE OBSERVER ON CARMEN

‘RED HOT PASSION’ BIRMINGHAM EVENING MAIL ON CARMEN

‘BRILLIANTLY SUNG' THE TIMES ON TOSCA (ROYAL ALBERT HALL)

HIGHLIGHTS FOR GROUP BOOKERS 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?

BOTH PRODUCTIONS DIRECTED BY ELLEN KENT WITH INTERNATIONAL SOLOISTS AND THE FULL CHISINAU NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS

BIZET

CARMEN

The most seductive opera ever written.

Starring international mezzo soprano Nadia Stoianova. A dazzling new production, set in Seville, and reflecting a Goya painting, with fountains, flowers and orange trees, guarantees an evening of passion and romance with unforgettable melodies and perhaps the best known baritone aria of all, The Toreador’s Song. Sung in French with English surtitles.

PUCCINI TOSCA An explosion of love and treachery.

Starring the international soprano Elena Dee and featuring a boys choir. This traditional production of Tosca is set against the backdrop of Rome with spectacular sets and costumes.

This most popular of operas with its tender, moving arias Vissi d’arte and E Lucevan le Stelle is a heady mixture of true love, torture and treachery, with two of the best roles for tenor and soprano, plus a truly blood curdling villain.

Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

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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 TOSCA WED 24 APR CARMEN THU 25 APR Wed & Thu eves 7.30pm TICKETS £10 - £29.50 (Premium seats also available)

ATG THEATRE CARD £10 off† UNDER 16’s Half price† G C E Details page 27

0844 871 3022* GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3042 www.atgtickets.com/sunderland* *Booking fees apply †Restrictions apply

■ 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 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 (week days 10am - 6pm) on 0844 871 3042 or email SunderlandGroups@theambassadors.com

Here is a selection of some of the savings available to groups.

PLEASE NOTE – The following concessions apply to certain prices and performances only:

42ND STREET

10+ £5 off plus 1 free 20+ £6 off plus 1 free

ANGELINA BALLERINA 10+ £3 off BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET - SWAN LAKE

10+ £6 off plus 1 free

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL

10+ £5 off 20+ £6 off 50+ £7 off

STARLIGHT EXPRESS

10+ £5 off 20+ £6 off 50+ £7 off

DADDY COOL

10+ £7.50 off 20+ £9 off

PETER PAN

£15 or £9.50 tickets

BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET - ALADDIN

10+ £6 off plus 1 free

ELLEN KENT TOSCA AND CARMEN

10+ £6 off plus 1 free

The following shows also have group offers: THE WIND ROAD BOYS, ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN, VAMPIRES ROCK, THE BOOTLEG BEATLES

21

THEATRE TOURS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

GET INVOLVED AT THE SUNDERLAND EMPIRE PETER PAN WORKSHOP Free workshops for school or youth group bookings of 10 or more (workshops are also available at £5 per person if you do not make a ticket booking).

There are two fun and interactive sessions to choose from: The Sunderland Empire Creative Learning Department develops activities, events and projects based on and inspired by the shows on stage. The aim is always to meaningfully involve and engage the local community.

Bespoke workshops and events can be developed to meet your requirements, please contact us with any suggestions and requests.

SHOW-RELATED ACTIVITIES DIRTY DANCING WORKSHOP Free dance workshops for school group bookings of 10 or more. A fun and energetic one hour workshop where students will have the time of their life learning some of the iconic moves from the film. Available for students up to GCSE level, these workshops will take place at your school on a date and time which is convenient for you.

Contact us to book.

■

A drama/movement workshop based on the classic J. M. Barrie tale which will focus on elements of the story itself and the wonderful characters involved.

■ A practical workshop that will study the history of pantomime and its weird and wonderful traditions.

Whichever session you choose, both are guaranteed to get your students excited about coming to see this magical panto! Workshops can be adapted to suit all ages from pre-school to GCSE level and will take place at your school/community venue on a date and time convenient for you.

Contact us to book.

EDUCATION RESOURCE PACKS are available for many of our productions.

Please contact us for further information.

THEATRE EXPERIENCE SESSIONS A HANDS ON, DRAMATIC, TWO HOUR SESSION IN THE WEST END OF THE NORTH EAST Our two hour theatre workshop is perfect for school, youth or drama groups. The Creative Learning Department has developed an interactive Theatre Experience which is inclusive of a full tour of the theatre, followed by a one hour drama session. The drama workshop will be tailored specifically to your group and can focus on a specific style or technique or can simply aim to boost self-confidence and improve teamwork.

Theatre Experience sessions are available for all ages and are charged at £5 per person.

‘We had a wonderful experience and all the students were talking about it on the way back to school. I was really impressed. I would fully advise any school teacher thinking of organising a trip like this to visit the Sunderland Empire.’

Jason Exley, Head of Year 8 Venerable Bede C of E School, Sunderland

22

TECHNICAL WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT PROGRAMME This programme is available to anyone interested in getting real experience of working within the technical team of a large-scale, professional theatre. This is an opportunity to work alongside professional stage managers and crew during a busy week in the theatre’s calendar. The programme is open to anyone aged 18 or over with a genuine interest in this type of work.

So, whether you’re studying technical theatre, considering a career backstage or looking to improve current skills you may already use in an amateur setting, this could be perfect for you!

We’re accepting applications now for a week’s placement during our upcoming run of Dirty Dancing. The placement will run from 24 - 28 September. You should be available for all dates. Please contact us for an application form or more information. The deadline for all applications is 7 September.

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! Tours are available for school or youth groups of 10 to 30 people and are charged at £3 per person.

‘Thank you for a fantastic visit! The children loved it and everything prepared for the day was great; very relevant, engaging and exciting! The session gave the children many opportunities to explore, question and even perform. A wonderful visit!’ Miss Robson, Reception Teacher, Barnes Infant School Please note due to the large number of stairs, tours are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.

CONTACT For further information about any Creative Learning activity please contact us on 0191 566 1056, email sunderlandeducation@theambassadors.com or visit our new website http://creativelearning.atg.co.uk

TOURS Following the success of our theatre tours we are delighted to offer further events for 2012.

Tours include full auditorium access giving you the opportunity to see the sets and staging of large scale productions up close and personal! Tours conclude with tea and coffee in the Dress Circle bar.

The following tours are on sale and last approximately 90 minutes: DIRTY DANCING Thu 20 Sep, 3pm 9 TO 5 Wed 31 Oct, 11am STARLIGHT EXPRESS Tue 20 Nov, 3pm TOUR PRICES £6 per person / Groups 10+ £5 per person To book a place, call into the Box Office or contact us on the priority booking line, 0191 566 1045.

If you’d like to book a tour for any other date, please contact our Creative Learning Manager on 0191 566 1056.

Please Note: Places are limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. We regret that due to the large number of stairs, tours are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with walking difficulties.

AFTERNOON TEA Make your matinee visit to 42nd Street a little more indulgent by enjoying a pre-show Afternoon Tea. For just £7.50, on top of your ticket price, you’ll receive a programme, a cup of tea or coffee and a mouth watering cake. For a little extra at £12.50, swap your tea or coffee for a 20cl bottle of Prosecco.

Afternoon Tea takes place in the Sunderland Empire’s Melvyn James Hospitality Suite from 1pm.

HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE WITH DIRTY DANCING Relax and unwind with one of our perfect party packages and Dirty Dancing.

For £27.50 on top of your ticket price, you can enjoy:  A private, reserved area pre-show and during the interval with a dedicated staff member  A glass of pink fizz on arrival to the theatre  A souvenir programme  Cocktail for interval (or a non-alcoholic alternative)  Chocolates To book any of our special events, call 0191 566 1045.

23

SAT 7 JUL 1pm TICKETS £13 C F Local talent Dickie Olivier needs Bob’s help to fix up the stage for his brand new musical. But when Spud decides he wants to be the star of the show, the job doesn’t go exactly to plan. Will the theatre be ready? Will the show go on? Bob’s going to need help from his friends. With 3 new songs, join Bob and help him fix it in his big theatre build. www.bobthebuilderlive.co.uk

GARY MULLEN AND THE WORKS SAT 15 SEP 7.30pm TICKETS £17.50 ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off C G Performed by Gary Mullen and the Works. One Night of Queen is a spectacular live concert, recreating the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of arguably the greatest rock band of all time.

This show will ROCK you! www.garymullenandtheworks.com

Y 4 IL 5 M T£ FA KE C TI

ANGELINA BALLERINA THE MOUSICAL

ILLEGAL EAGLES

FRI 10 - SUN 12 AUG Fri 6pm, Sat 1pm & 5pm, Sun 1pm TICKETS £13.50 - £17.50 ATG THEATRE CARD £4.50 off C G F E

MON 22 OCT 7.30pm TICKETS £21.50 & £23.50

Everyone’s favourite little star, Angelina Ballerina, pirouettes onto the stage in her brand new Mousical, a magical show packed full of singing and dancing.

Angelina and her friends think their dreams have come true when Camembert Academy wins the opportunity to appear in their favourite television programme Dancing with Mice! When the girls and boys have very different ideas for the show and just can’t seem to agree on anything, it’s up to Angelina as Dance Captain to ensure that the show goes ahead! So put on your ballet shoes and join Angelina, Alice, Gracie, Viki, AJ and Marco for the most stupendous Mousical of the year!

THE RINGMASTER GENERAL TOUR MON 3 SEP 7.30pm TICKETS £26

HEAVEN HEATS UP TOUR

Bringing you all the classic songs such as Hotel California, Tequila Sunrise and Lyin’ Eyes. Following a number of critically acclaimed tours, The Illegal Eagles have established themselves not only as the ultimate tribute to The Eagles, but as one of the most talented tribute shows in the world. www.illegaleagles.com

VAMPIRES ROCK WED 24 OCT 7.30pm TICKETS £21 & £23 ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off C G Steve Steinman plays evil Baron Von Rockula, owner of the Live and Let Die club. In search of a new bride the Baron must convince unsuspecting auditionee Pandora to cross to the dark side and live forever in rock ‘n’ roll hell. Featuring songs such as We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Poison and many more. www.vampiresrock.com

RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR THU 25 OCT 7.30pm TICKETS £17 - £21 C

D IL Y R CH VE CE T† E E E RI U L F R IT H L P A D W UL G F IN Y PA

DAVE STEWART

R O T F s O N LE 1 6 B A R IT D E SU U N

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ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN

To celebrate the release of his new solo album The Ringmaster General, singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Stewart will perform four shows throughout the UK. The tour kicks off with a special homecoming.

Dave says, ‘TO KICK OFF IN MY HOMETOWN THE DAY MY ALBUM IS RELEASED WILL BE A GOLDEN MOMENT FOR ME’.

Fun all the way as the Purveyors of Cool swing into town with their sensational show featuring the greatest music of the 20th century.

Wonderful memories of Frank, Dean and Sammy and all totally live.

Every song is an absolute classic - Come Fly with Me, Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Lady is A Tramp, Mack The Knife plus many more of your favourites. The BBC summed it up - ‘MAGNIFICENT’. www.ratpack.biz

FRANKIE BOYLE

THE ELO EXPERIENCE

THE LAST DAYS OF SODOM WED 5 SEP 8pm TICKETS £26

SAT 12 JAN 7.30pm TICKETS £19 ATG THEATRE CARD £1 off C

Frankie Boyle has been pilloried, misrepresented and demonised.

And for what? For Telling It Like It Is. Now he will attempt a final tour, to heal Britain’s fools. To support its rioters. To offer the inchoate laughter of despair to a culture in freefall. These are The Last Days of Sodom.

The Electric Light Orchestra Greatest Hits show, performed live by the incredible ELO Experience, is once again on the road, taking audiences back to the days when these amazing songs were first heard, and creating an uplifting atmosphere within the theatre walls, that just has to be experienced. www.elotribute.com

BOOK NOW www.atgtickets.com/sunderland (bkg fee)

Lowest price only

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CHILDREN’S EVENTS, COMEDY, MUSIC

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BOOKING INFORMATION

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BOOK NOW 0844 871 3022 (bkg fee)

Design SWD swd.uk.com Print John Good

MURIEL HARRISON SCHOOL OF DANCE PRESENTS MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

CONCESSIONS Shows with these symbols have the following concessions available:

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TUE 27 NOV SHAMEEM KARIM SCHOOL OF DANCE

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FRONT OF HOUSE OPENING TIMES & LATECOMERS RULE Doors open 1 hour prior to performance.

Latecomers may not be admitted to the auditorium until a suitable break in the performance and in some instances, not until the interval.

The management reserves the right to refuse admission.

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Awaiting copy SAT 27 OCT KATHLEEN DAVIS PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

CARD CHARGES & TICKET COLLECTION Transaction and booking fees are applied.

Bookings may also additionally carry a credit/ debit card fee. For security, when collecting tickets purchased by card, the card used must be presented on collection from the Box Office.

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AUTOMATED RUNNING TIMES 0191 566 1077

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DATE Time TICKETS SAT 14 JUL NORTHERN£?

STAR THEATRE ARTS PRESENTS ATG THEATRE SHOW ME THE STARS G F S CARD £? off

Level access, lift, wheelchair spaces and Sennheiser infra red system are available.

BSL, open captioned and audio described performances are occasionally scheduled.

Guide dogs are welcome. Customers who require additional assistance to attend the theatre can request at the time of booking.

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TUE 3 JUL KATHLEEN DAVIS PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS WOW! SUB HEADING

ATG THEATRE CARD BOOKING LINE 0191 566 1045

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LOCAL PRODUCTIONS TBC

GROUP SALES 0844 871 3042 (Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm)

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Using film footage of the period and ‘with a little help from’ their regular ensemble, the show traces the history of the Fab Four from Liverpool’s Cavern Club through Sgt Pepper to The Apple Rooftop.

It’s not the Beatles but you simply won’t believe it! www.bootlegbeatles.com

Customer Contact Centre Access Booking Number 0844 871 7677 Text Relay service is available Text Phone users 18001 0844 871 7677 Standard Phone Users 18002 0844 871 7677 For more information on Text Relay, please visit www.textrelay.org

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BY POST State the performance and choice of seats, plus your details and a cheque made payable to: The Ambassador Theatre Group Venues with a SAE to our address above. (We’ll try our best to meet your requirements). Please allow 28 days for delivery of tickets.

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Sat Nav / Online directions Our postcode is SR1 3EX (Enter SR1 3PZ D KR PA R for nearest parking D The Bridges Shopping Rat RE EDE D B E LV R Centre multi-storey which is a short walk ME L O NH toHORthe theatre.)

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MON 11 MAR 8pm TICKETS £27

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ACCESS If you have specific access requirements, please call our dedicated Equal Access Booking Line on 0191 566 1045 (Mon - Fri 10am - 6pm) or email sunderlandboxoffice@ theambassadors.com. is also available by calling 0844 277 9856 (24 hours).

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Last time round we told you our story, but this time, we’re taking you round the world. Starting with our northern roots, we’ll share our rip roaring tales of decadent do’s, big dinners and culinary catastrophes. There will be a bit of dancing, a bit of flirting, a bit of singing, and some downright hilarious stand-up comedy. Filled with plenty of surprises, expect the unexpected… and if you like us on the telly, you will love us Larger than Live. www.hairybikers.com

CONDITIONS OF SALE Tickets cannot be refunded. Ticket exchanges can only be offered for a per ticket exchange fee. Exchanges will only be accepted for the same production and for the same value or higher, on payment of the difference. All exchange requests are subject to availability and must be received at least 48 hours prior to the original performance date.

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BY TELEPHONE 0844 871 3022 (bkg fee) Mon - Sat 9am - 10pm Sun 10am - 8pm Calls to the Customer Contact Centre are charged at national rate (charges may vary according to service provider). We are unable to accept ticket reservations over the phone or online.

IN PERSON Box Office, Sunderland Empire, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3EX Mon - Sat 12pm - 6pm. On performance days we close 15 minutes after curtain up (normally 7.45pm). On Sundays and Bank Holidays, we’re open 1hr prior to performance times.

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RESTORATION FUND All ticket prices have a £1 restoration levy applied. The restoration fund enables the theatre to maintain its splendour throughout. Work already completed includes: re-carpeting within the stalls and foyer, installation of new doors in the foyer entrance, foyer bar refurbishment and full, ongoing electrical and roofing works.

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It’s over two years since our last tour - a complete sellout and one of the best times of our lives so, we can’t wait to do it again. Bigger, bolder and packed with more food and laughs than ever, we’re not just giving you a show; we’re giving you a real night out.

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WED 27 FEB 7.30pm TICKETS £25 ATG THEATRE CARD £2 off

Concessions may be restricted to certain price levels and performances and can be changed or withdrawn by management without notice. Only one concession can be applied at any one time and proof of status is required.

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THE HAIRY BIKERS

Family offers vary per show.

Please contact the Box Office.

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www.circusofhorrors.co.uk

DRESS CIRCLE

Schools

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Groups of 10 or more

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17 years after its conception at the 1995 Glastonbury Festival, the show has gone on to tour the world achieving cult status and dragging circus screaming and shouting into the 21st century and beyond.

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Seniors or Children or Students or JSA Claimants

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MON 21 JAN 7.30pm TICKETS £13 - £26 ATG THEATRE CARD £3 off C EARLY BOOKING OFFER £3 off if booked and paid before 30 Nov

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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.

The information in this brochure was correct at time of going to print. We reserve the right to make alterations to the published programme of events, their prices and concessions. Due to the varying nature of our shows, we cannot guarantee an unrestricted view from all seats at all times.

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP Co-founded by Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire in 1992, the Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd (ATG) is the largest owner/operator of theatres in the UK with 39 venues, an internationally recognised theatre producer and a leader in theatre ticketing services through ATG Tickets.

ATG’s impressive portfolio of West End theatres includes Apollo Victoria, Donmar Warehouse, Duke of York’s, Fortune, Harold Pinter, Lyceum, Phoenix, Piccadilly, Playhouse, Savoy, Trafalgar Studio 1 and Trafalgar Studio 2. ATG’s regional theatres include The Ambassadors Woking encompassing the New Victoria and Rhoda McGaw Theatres and the award-winning Ambassador Cinemas; Aylesbury Waterside Theatre; New 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; Grand Opera House, York. ATG has been behind some of the most successful and innovative productions in Britain and internationally. Current and recent ATG co-productions include South Pacific, All New People, Ghost The Musical, Posh/ Jumpy (Royal Court at the Duke of York’s), 9 to 5 The Musical, Matthew Bourne’s The Nutcracker!, Legally Blonde The Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Misanthrope, West Side Story, Dandy Dick, Guys and Dolls, Exit the King and The Rocky Horror Show.

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“a sparkling performance”

“reminds you why a night out at the theatre is truly special”

THEATRE’S LONGEST-RUNNING SUPPORT ACT “the two leads fizz with delicious chemistry”

“all the makings of a classic”

Proud to play a supporting role to

The GORDON’S and SHALL WE G&T STARTED words and associated logos are trade marks. © Tanqueray Gordon & Co. 2011