Sunderland Empire

overview

There has been a complete refurbishment of the stage including an increase from 34 to 59 ‘flying lines’ from which scenery is hung. There is an enlarged stage area and the rake has been removed to create a flat floor. New lighting has been installed and the height above the stage increased by one third - the safety curtain is now 2m higher than previous which has dramatically improved sight lines from the upper circle and gallery.
The auditorium has been re-decorated including some new seating and carpeting. The interior colour scheme has been designed to recreate the original red, cream and gold colouring of the theatre at the time of its opening in 1907, so for the first time theatre-goers will have a sense of what the Empire would have looked like on opening night almost 100 years ago.