AS ITS summer season draws to a close, a North-East theatre has unveiled its forthcoming programme with an invitation to audiences to "let us entertain you".

Yesterday, the Sunderland Empire drafted in the services of two soap star "nasties" to launch the new season's programme. EastEnders' John Altman (Nick Cotton) and Coronation Street's Nigel Pivaro (Terry Duckworth) were on hand to help give the new season a high-profile start.

Both actors are due to appear in a production of Bouncers by John Godber, at the theatre.

The theatre's brochure reveals a packed programme with shows designed to suit every age and taste - from Willy Russell's tragic Blood Brothers to the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel.

Other productions include long-time favourites Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Whistle Down The Wind and Saturday Night Fever.

The Empire will also be staging dramas, with Bouncers and Roald Dahl's The Twits.

Opera and Ballet International will be paying two visits with performances of Madame Butterfly and Rigoletto, and the Birmingham Royal Ballet will be making a welcome return.

Family favourites will include The Chuckle Brothers, and there will also be the traditional pantomime, with a production of Cinderella starring Darren Day and Kate Heavenor.

Among the new shows will be the Broadway musical Footloose, and there will also be a variety of one-night shows, from the classic hits of The Hollies and David Essex to the storytelling of Fred Dibnah.