The Mousetrap Sunderland

The Mousetrap Sunderland tickets bring Agatha Christie’s record holding thriller to the Sunderland Empire from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 March 2027, as part of the play’s 75th anniversary tour. Curtain up is 7.30pm each evening from Monday to Saturday, with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday 24 and Saturday 27 March.

The Mousetrap Sunderland at the Empire on High Street West

The Empire opened on 1 July 1907 as the Empire Palace, and its domed tower is still one of the most recognisable sights in the city centre. Inside, the auditorium is one of only a handful in Britain to keep four tiers of seating, climbing from the Orchestra Stalls through the Dress and Upper Circles to the Gallery. Around 1,860 people can watch at once. It is the largest touring theatre in the North East, and it usually plays host to giant musicals, but the Empire was built in the age of the well made play, and a single set mystery fits it like a glove. Our history of the Sunderland Empire covers the music hall stars, the wartime years and the restorations that shaped it.

Late March on Wearside brings lighter evenings and the first hints of spring along the seafront at Roker, but the play itself stays firmly in midwinter. Expect a stage buried in snow, a crackling fire and a house full of strangers who would rather not discuss their pasts.

The plot of The Mousetrap

News of a London murder crackles over the wireless as the first guests reach Monkswell Manor, a country house newly opened as a guesthouse by Mollie and Giles Ralston. Heavy snow soon traps everyone inside. Among them are a nervy young man named after a famous architect, a retired major, a sharp tongued older woman, a self possessed young traveller and a stranger with a heavy accent and a theatrical manner. When Detective Sergeant Trotter arrives, it becomes clear the murderer has a connection to the house. Who it is remains a secret every audience promises to keep.

The Mousetrap tour cast at the Sunderland Empire

Nicholas Bailey, known for EastEnders, takes the role of Major Metcalf, and Susan Penhaligon, star of A Fine Romance, plays Mrs Boyle. They are joined by Emily Laing as Mollie Ralston, Jack Hardwick as Giles Ralston, Thomas Barrett as Christopher Wren, Clare Duffy as Miss Casewell, James Peake as Mr Paravicini and Alfie Richards as Detective Sergeant Trotter. Ben Gresswell, Sophie Lagden, Judith Rae and Darren Ruston are understudies. The tour is directed by Hannah Chissick, with lighting design by Nic Farman.

Choosing seats for The Mousetrap Sunderland

Because so much of the story depends on reactions, the Orchestra Stalls and the front of the Dress Circle give the clearest view of faces and small gestures. The higher tiers are good value and look down on the whole drawing room set, which helps when you are trying to remember who left the room and when. Ask the box office about audio described and captioned performances, since access dates are announced separately by each venue. Our Sunderland Empire venue guide has more on sightlines and access.

How long is The Mousetrap and who is it for

The running time is about 2 hours 5 minutes including a 20-minute interval. The producers recommend it for ages 7 and over; the tension is real but there is nothing graphic. It is a classic introduction to theatre for children and a nostalgic return for many grandparents who first saw it decades ago, in London or on an earlier tour. Read about that history in our guide to The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre.

Getting to the Sunderland Empire

The theatre is at 4 to 5 High Street West, within ten minutes on foot of Sunderland station, served by the Tyne and Wear Metro and Northern trains from Newcastle. There is parking at nearby multi storey car parks, and pubs and restaurants line High Street West and the streets towards the Minster.

The Mousetrap tour route around Sunderland

Sunderland follows Colchester and leads into the Scottish leg, with Inverness next and then The Mousetrap in Edinburgh in early April. Earlier in the tour the company played The Mousetrap at Manchester Opera House. Every date is listed on our Mousetrap UK tour page, and the London original continues at The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre.

The Mousetrap Sunderland dates and times

The Mousetrap plays for one week, 22–27 March 2027: evenings at 7.30pm from Monday to Saturday, with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. The running time is approximately 2 hours 5 minutes, including a 20-minute interval, and the show is recommended for ages 7 and over.