Review: The Sunderland Story at Sunderland Empire

The Sunderland Story: A Heartfelt Ode to Sunderland’s Soul

Invited| Review by Samantha Pearson

Photo Credit: David Wood

There was something special in the air at the Sunderland Empire on Wednesday night, and you didn’t have to be from Wearside to feel it. But, let’s be honest, it certainly helped. Just 48 hours after Sunderland AFC’s thrilling 2-1 win over Coventry City secured their place in the Championship play-off final, the city was already buzzing—and that feeling spilled straight into the theatre for the opening night of The Sunderland Story.

And that’s exactly what this show is love letter to Sunderland AFC and, more than that, to the people, the pride, and the past that shaped the city. Written by Nicky Allt and produced by Alterean Media, The Sunderland Story doesn’t pretend to be a high-brow West End spectacle. Instead, it leans right into what it is: heartfelt, nostalgic, packed with banter, and unapologetically Sunderland through and through. From the minute the house lights went down and the crowd roared at the first mention of 1973, it was clear this wasn’t just a theatre show, it was a home crowd reunion.

The show follows two families, the Carters and the Thompsons, as they come together at a wake for a much loved grandfather, someone who lived and breathed Sunderland AFC. It’s a simple framing device, but it works, offering moments of both humour and tenderness as they swap stories, sing songs, and reflect on the way football weaves its way through every part of life on Wearside. The writing walks the line beautifully between laugh out loud funny and lump in the throat emotional. The performances bring it all to life with a warmth and honesty that feels authentic to the North East. These aren’t caricatures, they’re recognisable people from the terraces, the shipyards, the back lanes.

Of course, the football moments shine brightest. The retelling of that unforgettable FA Cup win in 1973 brought the house down, while the rendition of Cheer Up Peter Reid had everyone on their feet, singing like it was a match day. And when Sunderland Till I Die hit, it was impossible not to join in. The Empire was transformed into a makeshift stadium, and it was brilliant.

But what makes The Sunderland Story stand out isn’t just the football, it’s the heart. The show pays tribute to the city’s shipbuilding and mining heritage, reminding us that Sunderland is built on grit, graft, and community. There was a particularly moving moment when the faces of the club’s lost heroes Marton Fulop, Bradley Lowery, Charlie Hurley who were projected onto the backdrop as Shipyards played softly. It was a lump in the throat moment that clearly touched everyone in the room.

That said, the show’s biggest strength is also what might make it a little niche for outsiders. The jokes, the references, the nods to local quirks land perfectly with a Sunderland crowd but might leave those from outside scratching their heads. But that feels like the point. This show isn’t made to tour the world, it’s made for the people of Sunderland. It’s their story, told in their words, with their songs. And it wears that proudly.

Visually, the set design cleverly shifts from living rooms to the terraces of Roker Park, to the docks, always keeping the energy up and the pace moving. The cast are relentless in their delivery, throwing themselves into every chant, every dance, every song. You can tell they know how much this story means to the crowd.

If there’s anything I’d suggest, maybe a little more context around some of the niche references might help welcome in newcomers, but honestly, that’s not what this show is about. It’s for Sunderland’s own. And it’s better for it.

By the final bows, the audience was on their feet, singing, cheering, and wiping away tears. The Sunderland Story is more than a show, it’s a celebration, a tribute, and a proud roar from Wearside. For anyone who’s ever called Sunderland home, or loves someone who has, it’s a must-see