FINAL rehearsals are underway for The Sunderland Story, with the football-themed theatre show set to feature an all-North East cast.
The production, which will be staged at the Sunderland Empire from Wednesday, May 17 to Saturday, May 27, charts the story of Sunderland AFC’s history and celebrates the club’s central position in the identity and culture of the city.
Timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Sunderland’s unforgettable FA Cup final victory over Leeds United in 1973, the show tells the club’s story through the eyes of two families of supporters, and features songs, live music, drama and comedy.
SUBSCRIBE to The Northern Echo – read the paper on our brand-new app, access premium website content, remove adverts and join our exclusive members-only rewards club Joe Caffrey plays one of the leading roles, having previously appeared in Billy Elliot and The Pitmen Painters, and said: “It’s about time this story was told. I think Sunderland Football Club represents the town and the feeling within the town, and I think it’s really important that this happens at the Empire Theatre, which is a great venue.
“I think, for a lot of people who have never been to the theatre before, this is a great way in because this is going to tell a story that they are really invested in. It’s emotional, it’s going to be funny, it’s got songs in it, so I think it’s going to be a great night out.”
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Where are they now – Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup Wembley winners 50 years on What do Sunderland need to do in their final game at Preston to make the play-offs? James Hedley, who is responsible for the live music in the show, is a lifelong Sunderland fan and cannot wait to be performing in his hometown.
He said: “To be honest, this means everything doing this show. All my family are huge Sunderland fans, and this would have meant a lot to my dad.
“I think the city needs this right now. The club is on the up, and I think it just shows the passion we have for this city and for the club, so I’m absolutely over the moon and I can’t wait to get started.”
Tickets for the show are available now, with prices starting at £13.
