The Sunderland Empire Theatre Was opened on 1st July 1907. Brothers William and Thomas Ridley Milburn from Sunderland were the architects who designed the Empire Theatre, it is a fine example of Edwardian Theatre architecture. Male impersonator Vesta Tilley was one of the biggest stars in the country when she opened the Empire, but her involvement began even earlier when she laid the foundation stone. The increasing popularity of cinemas occurred at the expense of Theatres so much so that even the Sunderland Empire went over to films in 1931. All Quiet On The Western Front had its North East premiere there. The Empire however became a Theatre again in 1933. In the best show business tradition the air raid on 14th March 1943 failed to stop the production of 'Damaged Goods' at the Empire. Members of the touring company were injured but the play went on the following night with a full supporting cast to perform before bumper houses.
In the late 1950's the Empire fell on hard times and closed briefly, but it was taken over by Sunderland Council, and under this new ownership was reopened on Boxing Day 1959 with a pantomime. The Empire Theatre is the last of Sunderland's Theatres to survive and is the main venue for live entertainment in the city.
The Sunderland Empire has survived bombings, talking pictures and television, it has also seen on its stage the first, last and in-between steps of some glittering careers. Helen Mirren made her stage debut, the Beatles, Marlene Dietrich, Margot Fonteyn, Laurel and Hardy and W. C. Fields to name just a few. Sadly, Sid James one of Britain's most popular funnymen died on the stage of the Empire on 26th April 1976. He collapsed during a performance of The Mating Season. The Sunderland Empire Theatre showcased season after season of record breaking smash hits from West End musicals such as Starlight Express, Miss Saigon and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to opera and ballet and cutting-edge comedy to the very latest kids shows.
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