Pantomime in Sunderland
Looking for some festive fun for the whole family? Pantos offer plenty of entertainment, with impressive sets, canny casts and stellar performances, and the Sunderland Empire has been the host of over 40 different star-studded pantos over the years! It’s easy to see why a Sunderland Empire pantomime is a Christmas tradition for many families in the area.
Sunderland panto offers a bit of everything for all ages... from hilarious skits to well-known pop-hits, everyone will be in for a treat. With previous panto star casts including Alison Hammond, Scarlett Moffatt and Ant and Dec, get ready for a barrel of laughs!

The Further Adventures of Peter Pan - Sunderland Empire
Take the second star to the right and head straight to Sunderland Empire for The Further Adventures of Peter Pan. Wendy Darling might be all grown up, but Peter definitely isn't - and neither is Emily Darling. Join them as they take flight on a new adventure and face an old foe. Full of stunning special effects, dazzling dance numbers and perfect pop hits, this canny panto, starring Miss Rory and Thom Whalley, promises a magical evening for the whole family. Hook your tickets now!
11 December 2026 - 3 January 2027.
How Much Are Tickets for Peter Pan?
If you're looking for an affordable panto, The Further Adventures of Peter Pan ticket prices start at just £15, with concessions for 16-25s, seniors and children under 16 available at selected performances. You can pay for extras at checkout, including priority access to the venue, ice creams and flashing toys, and a drink and snack bundle.
There will also be audio-described and captioned performances of the Sunderland Empire panto so that everyone can enjoy the entertainment!
Afternoon performances close to Christmas, especially at the weekend and on Christmas Eve, are often the first dates to sell out, so make sure you book early if you want to attend then.
Who Is in the Peter Pan Cast?
Your panto faves return in 2026! Cast members include the canniest dame in town Miss Rory (Boulevard) as Rorina the Mermaid and funny man Thom Whalley as the hilarious sidekick Smee. Further casting is to be announced.
How Long Is The Further Adventures of Peter Pan?
The running time for The Further Adventures of Peter Pan is to be confirmed, but a normal panto run time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes long, usually with one 20-minute interval.
What Other Pantomimes Are in Sunderland in 2026?
If you don’t mind hopping on the Metro, Newcastle has plenty of festive fun on offer. Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal Newcastle stars returning pantomime favourites Danny Adams and Clive Hayward. The duo have worked together at Theatre Royal for over 20 years! They're joined by Joe McElderry as the Spirit of the Beans.
Or take a magic carpet ride with Aladdin at Tyne Theatre and Opera House. Panto favourites Charlie & Lewis are back by popular demand.
