Full casting has today been announced for the highly-anticipated return of The Sunderland Story, coming exclusively to Sunderland Empire for a second season from Thursday 15 May – Saturday 31 May 2025 due to popular demand.
Following standing ovations when it made its premiere in May 2023, The Sunderland Story proved extremely popular with both football and theatre fans alike, and this updated version is sure to capture the hearts of Wearside audiences again in 2025.
The production which follows the Carter family features an entirely local cast who today came together at The Stadium of Light to celebrate its return and welcome new cast members. Introducing Phil Corbitt (Mamma Mia UK and International Tour, Calendar Girls UK Tour) starring as Billy Carter and Mack McNally (The Cops, Heartbeat) as Charlie Thompson. Eagerly returning to the cast for 2025 are Jayne Mackenzie (Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Byker Grove) as Ruby Carter, Ainsley Fannen (South Pacific UK Tour, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as Kevin Carter, Jude Nelson (Sleeping Beauty at Gala Durham, A Way Home) as Neila Carter, and James Hedley (War Child National Tour, Byker Grove) as The Busker.
Told through music, comedy and emotion, The Sunderland Story will take fans on a trip down memory lane up to the modern day, telling the epic tale of Sunderland AFC’s past from the first trophy win to the team’s legendary managers and scorers including Watson, Stokoe, Reid, Cochrane, Campbell, and Gurney. The production remembers one of the biggest moments in SAFC’s history - that glorious 1973 FA Cup win with all-new additional scenes and songs for 2025.
Not simply a celebration of the club’s history, The Sunderland Story follows avid Sunderland fans the Carter family, who, busy mourning the loss of the family patriarch, reminisce about tales of days gone by, family and friends, shipbuilding, mines, the newly emerging city of Sunderland and the bonds and memories that the beautiful game can create.
The Sunderland Story is a heartfelt tribute to all the Sunderland greats no longer with us and the supporters who remain the football club’s future and past, its footings and foundation, famed for their passion throughout the land.
Mack McNally said, "As a lifelong Sunderland supporter, to be involved in this project is like a dream come true to be honest with you. I’m a season ticket holder and I’ve got a history of being linked to the club in other ways. I worked with The Foundation of Light for a year as an Education Coordinator and I described that as my dream job, it was like the icing on a cake, well this is like the icing on a bigger cake, I’m really excited."
Returning cast member Jude Nelson said: "I’m excited to be back in front of an audience who is raucous, full of passion and it just feels like a real celebration of the club, and to be there in a theatre full of people with everyone enjoying it together in a shared experience is really, really lovely."
David Bruce, Chief Business Officer at Sunderland AFC, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting the return of The Sunderland Story and are excited for its comeback in 2025. My time at MLS meant I missed it the first time around, but through family and friends, I know just how well the show captured the essence and heart of our Club. Sunderland is all about family and community, and I can’t wait to enjoy with my loved ones and fellow supporters this May.”
The Sunderland Story is produced by Alterean Media, written by Nicky Allt and directed by Howard Gray.
Tickets priced from £15 are available online at atgtickets.com/sunderland*
*A £3.95 transaction fee applies to online bookings.
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