The Sunderland Empire in Tyne and Wear will host Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith and comedian Romesh Ranganathan in a limited run of the play Woman In Mind from 4 March to 7 March 2026. This high-profile production comes to the city centre following a successful run in London, offering local residents a chance to see a top-tier stage show without travelling to the capital.
Written by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Michael Longhurst, the play follows a housewife named Susan who creates a fantasy world to escape her daily life. The production marks the dramatic stage debut for Romesh Ranganathan, who plays a character called Bill, a nervous doctor. According to What’s On Stage, the performance has already drawn significant attention for its unique casting.
Sunderland is one of only two locations outside of London to host this specific tour, with the other being Glasgow. Local leaders expect the four-day engagement to bring more people into the city centre, helping to support local shops, bars, and restaurants during the evening. By securing such a prestigious show, the city is continuing to build its reputation as a major cultural destination in the North East.
The arrival of the show serves as a major event for the city spring calendar, happening just before the start of Sunderland Restaurant Week. That event, organised by the Sunderland BID, is set to run from 7 March to 15 March 2026. The theatre production is expected to help build momentum for local businesses and increase footfall in the area ahead of the busy dining week.
