THE FUTURE of the biggest theatre in the North East was shrouded in mystery last night.

Live Nation, which leases and operates the Sunderland Empire, has said that it has put all its venues across the country up for sale.

The theatre, which is owned by Sunderland Council, is the only one in the North East which is capable of staging West End shows.

The company owns 17 theatres, including ones in London, Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh, and they are on the market for a combined price of around £75m.

There are believed to be as many as 20 bidders for the venues and it is thought the new owners would take over the lease in Sunderland from Live Nation.

The company says it hopes to sell all its portfolio together, although it has not ruled out selling them separately if a bid came in. The Empire has staged some major West End shows, such as We Will Rock You, since Live Nation took over.

Sunderland resident Peter Lathan, who edits the British Theatre Guide website, said musicals were key to the future of the Empire.

He told The Journal last night: “Live Nation are a very powerful company. They can get some of the biggest shows.

“The venue was always intended for musical theatre and that is what brings in the crowds. When the theatre was owned by a local group there were times when there were more people ion stage than in the crowd.

“The theatre has been on a knife edge several times, but I am confident that whoever takes over will realise that the big musical shows form the West End are what is needed.”

The potential sale forms part of a strategy by the American company to focus on its live music operation.

Paul Latham, Live Nation’s chief operating officer for live music, confirmed bidding had started, but said: “We might not sell them. Trading is very healthy across the country.

“It will only be if somebody makes an offer we can’t refuse that it will be accepted.

“It will only be if someone pays a reasonable amount for what is still a going concern.”