paul morris
does anyone recall the name of the musical actress Mary Ridley who was on stage at the Sunderland Empire poss around the 20s or 30s. Would wealcome any information on this personThank you.
Christine Jones(nee Taylor)
I was a dancer in the 1962 production of Cinderella.Had the most wonderful time in a truly lovely Theatre.I met the Beatles when they performed on a Sunday night. Also Cliff Richard, and had the great honour of throwning Frankie Vaughn's hat to him on stage from the wings..........I was only 17 and it was all such a great thrill.Thanks for the memories!!
Peter Thorne
My fourth pantomime as Dame at the Empire was memorable, because the stars were Ant & Dec making their one and only appearance in Pantomime. The subject was Snow White, and I played Autie Dolly to the boys. They were absolutely splendid, a pleasure to work with,and so natural. A great memory. The year was 1998
Linda Fowler
My Grandad was in the variety concert party around the late 1930s with my mam and they used to play the clubs up and down the country.His stage name was Billy Lano and he taught Molly Thaunton to dance at his home in Seaburn.He always said the empire was the classyest place he ever played.Although the back staircase was a bit daunting to walk on in tap shoes.He did the stage version of the Lambton worm and was joined by my mam who used to tap dance with him as a finale to the act.We have some old photos which are very precious and a lovely reminder of the days gone by.Mam also still has his old note book of all the guest houses they stayed in and the prices are less than a trip to the town on the bus costs these days...I wonder if they were the good old days after all.
Catherine Bell
I can't remember a time when the empire has failed to delight me with it's amazing architecture, shows and pretty lights at night
Ann Hammett
I remember my Mum telling me how proud she was when she won a singing competition which was a week to perform at the empire with Oscar Rabins band.
DIANE LOUGH
MY EARLIEST MEMORY OF THE EMPIRE WAS AS A SIX YEAR OLD GOING TO THE PANTOMIME,WHICH WAS PAID FOR BY MY FATHER'S COMPANY. IT WAS VERY SCARY AS MY ELDER SISTER AND I HAD TO CLIMB(WHAT I THOUGHT AT THE TIME)A THOUSAND STAIRS TO THE GODS. WHEN WE FINALLY REACHED OUR SEATS WE SAW IT WAS ALL LIT WHERE WE WERE WITH GASLIGHT. THIS WAS 1956.WE WERE GIVEN FOR OUR TREAT, A PARTY HAT AND AN ICE CREAM EACH. BUT WE REALLY ENJOYED IT AND IT HAS STAYED IN MY MIND.IT WAS GREAT TO BE A CHILD THEN.
