More than 70 million people have already seen The Lion King and that’s not counting the eager audiences at Sunderland Empire Theatre who are already buying tickets.

A crew of more than 90 including a 12-piece orchestra bring the story of Simba, the wide-eyed lion cub who grows up to reclaim his rightful place as King of the Pridelands, to the stage. Disney’s Lion King is a glorious celebration of Africa’s vast Serengeti Plains and Mother Nature’s neverending circle of life. It is huge, with jaw-dropping special effects, puppetry and of course Elton John’s romantic anthem, Can You Feel The Love Tonight.

The Lion King roars into action for seven weeks from September 18 to November 1 giving North-East audiences a chance to experience what has been described as a global phenomenon for themselves.

Under the Boardwalk or Up on the Roof, American doo-wop and R&B band, the everlasting Drifters, promise to make this year’s Independence day celebrations tomorrow better than a Saturday Night at The Movies.

Things heat up for the summer as The Dreamboys return on July 8 for one night of music, muscle and magic. Then it’s Avenue Q – the Sesame Street-style, part-felt, part-flesh winner of the Tony Awards Triple Crown for best musical.

Packed with ironic humour, talking animals with plenty of puppet nudity, songs and sub-plots that address decidedly adult themes (July 14-16).

Don’t Stop Believin’ in music because award winning smash hit Rock Of Ages The Musical celebrates the wild rock culture of Los Angeles and is set to rock the Empire Theatre from July 28 – August 2. Following a three-year run in London’s West End, Rock of Ages, which stars Ben Richards and Noel Sullivan, is the ultimate rock mix-tape featuring memorable tunes like We Built This City, The Final Countdown and I Wanna Know What Love is.

Ballet fans will be delighted to see Birmingham Royal Ballet return to the North East and step into action with the gregarious gothic fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. David Bintley’s choreography never fails to produce ballet at its best. His wild waltzes and magical sets provide the backdrop to an evolving relationship between Belle and the Beast which at first is terrifying, but ultimately serene and beautiful. (November 6 - 8).

Ellen Kent Opera returns with Madama Butterfly on November 9 and stars Korean soprano Elena Dee. Expect exquisite sets, a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes, including antique wedding kimonos, and of course the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet.

November 10-15 Riverdance prepares to toe-tap on stage for its 20th Anniversary Tour and is back by public demand.

The remarkable true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is next on November 25 to December 6 as the musical Jersey Boys will be touring the UK for the first time after 6 years in London. The band, originally from New Jersey recorded hits such as Walk Like a Man, Oh What a Night, My Eyes Adored You, Bye Bye Baby and Working My Way Back to You.

Slot in a few one nighters: Bugle Boy on August 12, which traces the life of Glenn Miller. Beyond the Barricade is on September 6 and set to recreate the original Broadway musical hits. Sue Pollard and Cannon and Ball join forces for Ha Hood, a farce in the forest on November 16 and November 17 West End Women with leading ladies Kerry Elllis, Joanna Ampil and Ria Jones to celebrate the best loved musicals from the past 40 years.

Sue Pollard is back again ready to shout Hi-de- Hi to all seven dwarfs as well as children’s TV favourite Andrew Agnew (PC Plum – Balamory) and EastEnders and Dancing on Ice star Matt Lapinskas. Deep in the magic forest, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs promises a special pantomime adventure with plenty of jokes, exquisite sets and costumes and not forgetting poisoned apples and the magic mirror (December 12 to January 4, 2015).

  • Tickets in person from the Box Office or 0844-871-3022 and online at ATGtickets.com/ Sunderland – more info: sunderlandempire.co.uk