Featured Articles
Tom Holland’s journey playing the role of Spider-Man has become one of the most defining character arcs in modern superhero cinema. When Tom Holland first appeared in Captain America: Civil War [2016], his version of playing Peter Parker immediately stood apart from previous Spider-Man roles. His character was awkward, enthusiastic, and still figuring things out. […]
The Choir of Man hits the Empire Stage for a one-week engagement as part of their first UK tour. In a celebration of community, friendship and the power of a good drink with those you love, whether it’s a pint of lager or a J20. Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay. Featuring the written […]
Celebrating 10 years since its debut on Broadway, Sara Bareilles’ Waitress is touring the UK with Durham-born Emma Lucia putting on the apron for a week of performances at Sunderland Empire. Waitress is based on a 2007 film and follows talented baker Jenna as she deals with a complicated combination of an abusive marriage, an […]
Whitney Houston is widely considered to be one of the most gifted singers in the history of the art, and at the height of her fame came the opportunity to star in a blockbuster thriller alongside Kevin Costner called The Bodyguard. Now, over the 30 years later, the stage adaptation of that movie is touring the […]
Between 7-8pm tonight, people across the globe are dedicating an hour to reading as part of World Book Night. Run by the Reading Agency, the challenge encourages people to pick up a book as part of their night routine. Fancy taking part but want company? Spark lists its top three influencers livestreaming the event below. […]
So you agree? You can’t believe it’s been 22 years since the iconic movie Mean Girls was released. Neither can Spark. The beloved film-turned-musical (eight years ago now) is making Sunderland Empire its home until April 11. The musical follows Cady Heron (Emily Lane) as she transitions from her life in Africa to surviving high […]
For decades, Sunderland has been known for its industrial heritage – shipbuilding, coal mining and a fierce loyalty to its football club. But in recent years, a new identity has steadily taken shape. Since being officially recognised as a “Music City”, Sunderland has begun to reposition itself as a hub of creativity, collaboration and emerging […]
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Md2-2GGE9Y Word count: 1,008 Full time at the First Cloud Arena, March 16th, 2025, Kidderminster Harriers travelled back to Worcester fresh off a 5-0 dismantling of South Shields, boos rang out as fans faced their worst season in over a decade. To make things worse, Shields would fail to win another game in […]
In the 1980s/90s football fanzines were common place at football grounds with 1,816 having been produced at some point. Now the 75 that are left continuing the tradition are facing an uncertain future. In this article, Spark’s Ciaran Myers speaks to those involved in fanzines to find out why they were so important and what […]
Lynden Gooch first visited Wearside at the age of 10 years-old, 17 years later he departed widely known as an ‘adopted Mackem’, representing Sunderland 247 times, scoring the winning goal in Sunderland’s first Wembley win since 1973 and restored the club back into the second tier. Spark Sunderland has had the opportunity to speak to Gooch and talk through his […]
