Marie Nixon - Theatre Director, Sunderland Empire.
What were your career ambitions growing up?
My dad was a welder, and my mam worked in a sewing factory, but music was where my heart was. Diana Ross was my big inspirationher power, costumes and presence on stage were everything to me. So, I set my sights on being a performer, I was in a 90s band, Kenickie, and we appeared on Top of the Pops not once, but twice – an unforgettable time! After that, I shifted gears into artist management, helping guide musicians as they climbed the charts. But that love for performance has stayed with me, and now I get to bring big shows to the stage in a different way.
Tell us about your current role.
I’m Theatre Director at the Sunderland Empire, which is owned by Sunderland City Council, and operated by ATG Entertainment. It’s a big job, but I’m lucky to work with a fantastic team across ATG Entertainment, from Broadway to Bristol, Woking to the West End. It’s an incredible theatre with such history, and it’s truly the beating heart of cultural life in Sunderland. We’re constantly striving to bring the very best shows to the region, like Hamilton in Summer 2025 – what a privilege!
What is your proudest business achievement?
I’m incredibly proud of how we’ve been able to bring people to Sunderland’s city centre in their hundreds of thousands. We work closely with the local council, Sunderland BID, and other partners to make sure the theatre’s success benefits the city in terms of its economy, vibrancy, and regeneration. But personally, I’m proud of how we’ve been able to bring some of the biggest shows in the world to the North East, including Disney Theatrical Productions such as Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. These shows not only provide incredible entertainment but also draw people from across the UK to Sunderland, which is great for the whole region.
What are you currently working on?
We’re always looking ahead; programming shows up to 2027 and beyond. Our team is working tirelessly to secure Sunderland slots on the biggest national tours, which is a huge responsibility, but exciting too. One of the standout projects we’re working on is a partnership with the National Theatre and Sunderland Culture. It’s a play with music, Public Record, which will be performed by and starring a cast of local Sunderland residents. It’s a celebration of the community and its stories, and it’s set to take place in April 2025. I’m incredibly excited about this oneit’s going to be something special.
Tell us about the team you work with.
I’m incredibly lucky to work with such a passionate and dedicated team. We have the best team in show business, no doubt about it. Everyone here expects high performance from one another, but there’s also a deep care for each other, and that’s what makes it such a special place to work. Every department is vital in bringing the magic of the theatre to the audience. We also have a small management team, which includes myself, our amazing Theatre Manager, and our Administrator. It’s a real privilege to lead such a fantastic group of people.
Tell us something people may not know about Sunderland Empire.
Most people know about the fantastic shows they can see at Sunderland Empire but may not realise that we have an awardwinning Creative Learning team here. They work with local communities and schools, with the aim of increasing access to the performing arts. From our weekly Academy for ages 6-18 to our inclusive special educational needs provision, to our over 55s choir and dance classes: their work is truly inspiring. All the work is funded by Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust, and our inhouse team are constantly fundraising and applying for grants to ensure these important groups can continue and thrive.
What’s been your biggest challenge?
Without a doubt, the biggest challenge I’ve faced was reopening the theatre after the extended closure due to COVID-19. There was so much uncertainty, and we had to do everything we could to ensure the safety of our audiences, productions, and staff. To see 2,000 people in the theatre enjoying themselves again after so long was a truly emotional experience.
Who are your heroes, both inside and outside of business?
Mary Wollstonecraft is a hero of mineshe was such a trailblazer and visionary, always ahead of her time. Her commitment to education, equality and rights for women still resonates today. Then there’s Dame Irene Hays, whose achievements at Hays Travel are well known, but I also admire her for her role in transforming the Sunderland Empire. She saw the potential of investing in the theatre’s technical side, and her vision helped turn the Empire into the major force it is today in the UK’s touring circuit. She brought people together, saw the bigger picture, and made it happensomething I truly admire.
How do you unwind outside of work?
I’m a big fan of audiobooks. I subscribe to every audiobook service known to humanity! I love reading, particularly romantic fiction like Mhairi McFarlane’s novels, and literary fiction from authors like Doris Lessing and Ann Patchett. I find it’s a great way to relax after a busy day.
www.atgtickets.com/venues/sunderland-empire