Review: Miriam’s Full English at Sunderland Empire

Review by Stephen Stokoe on 30 September 2026

I think everyone knows what to expect when they sit down to listen to national treasure Miriam Margolyes in full flow and nobody at last night’s packed Sunderland Empire left disappointed. She was at her most eloquent, filthy, and socially conscious best from the moment she arrived on the stage until she stepped off it.

This show seems very personal. Of course it is a book promoting tour, but she delivers so much more than just that over the best part of two hours. This is a lady of lived experience. It is a lady with a past. It is a lady who has opinions that she is certainly not afraid to share. But it is also like listening to your grandma pontificating on life, the universe, and everything with an indelicate seasoning of more than a few swears.

Miriam never holds back. In the first act of the show she is given free rein and it is a joy to listen to every single word she says. It is not always comfortable but there is a truism, a firm and strong belief, and an honesty that cannot be denied. Miriam is all about being the best you can possibly be. Her views transcends politics, they transcend bickering, and above all they defy age.

I adored both of my grandmothers very much indeed but if I could adopt this wonderful Jewish one, I most certainly would.

A huge shout out to the wonderful BSL signer this evening Jan Guest who was absolutely amazing and gave me a whole new outlook on British Sign Language keeping up with Miriam’s more colourful anecdotes. Credit also goes to Hollyoaks alumnus Joe Tracini for the unenviable task of hosting this incredible raconteur and performer.

Miriam, you truly are a breath of fresh air. A person who has experienced life and is brave and confident enough to share their experiences in such a positive and uplifting way. The little boy inside me still hears all the individual voices you shared with me for the dwarfs in my bedtime stories. The teenager hears “Wicked Child!” as Lady Whiteadder or sees the lascivious Infanta Maria Escalosa in Blackadder. The older man sees your stern and no nonsense but encouraging Professor Pomona Sprout in the Harry Potter franchise.

There is no one with whom I would prefer to spend an afternoon in the sun on a bicycle made for two. If you missed this one nighter at Sunderland Empire then there are two more in the region coming up. Do not hang about. These tickets will go quickly.

Thank you, Miriam Margolyes, just simply for being you.

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Limited tickets are still available for Miriam’s Full English at two other north east venues on this tour

Darlington Hippodrome on Wednesday 18th November 2026, tickets from darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Stockton Globe on Tuesday 1st December 2026, tickets from atgtickets.com