Public Venue Tour

Public Venue Tour tickets in Sunderland

The Public Venue Tour at Sunderland Empire offers guided access to a Grade II* listed Edwardian theatre. Staff share stories and facts connected to 116 years of history, taking visitors through areas not usually open to the public, before concluding with refreshments in the Dress Circle Bar.

What the tour covers

Staff guides share facts, anecdotes and occasional spooky tales connected to the theatre's history and the performers who have appeared on its stage, among them the young Beatles, Kate Bush, Laurel and Hardy and Gary Barlow. The route takes in areas not usually accessible to the public, including the ornate auditorium.

The tour concludes in the Dress Circle Bar with refreshments and lasts approximately one hour and thirty minutes. This is a guided tour only and does not include admission to any performance.

Practical considerations

The route involves a number of staircases. Anyone with access requirements is encouraged to contact the venue by email before visiting. Stage and backstage access is not guaranteed, as it depends on the requirements of any production currently using those spaces. Private tours can be arranged by contacting SunderlandINSPIRE@atgentertainment.com.

Dates, venues and booking links

These are the dates listed by ATG as checked on 21 September 2026. A date range may contain selected performances, rather than a show every day. Open your chosen venue link for exact times, seats and current prices.

Choosing your tickets

Start with the venue and date that suit your trip, then compare the seats offered by ATG. Check the final total, any restricted-view information and the ticket conditions before paying. Availability and prices can change; the listed run dates do not guarantee seats for every performance.

ATG lists a running time of 1 hour 30 minutes. Confirm the performance time and any interval information when booking.

Plan your theatre visit

Our venue guides cover getting there, seating and access information: Sunderland Empire. If you need accessible seating or an assisted performance, check the arrangements for that venue and date with ATG before booking.

Tickets are sold by ATG Tickets, which handles checkout and booking support. British Theatre may earn a commission from the affiliate links on this page.