Sid James (1913-1976) was an icon of British Comedy in the 1950s and 60s. The star of the legendary Carry On films as well as numerous television sitcoms, he had long made a household name for himself with his distinctive laugh and humourous style.
By the time he reached his 60s, Sid was already facing a number of health scares including a previous heart attack he had suffered in 1967, but he had no intention of slowing down. Little did he know that it would be Sunderland where he performed his final act. The year was 1976, and Sid was performing as part of a national tour for the show The Mating Season.
On 26th April 1976, the show came to the renowned Sunderland Empire Theatre, a venue which has always attracted the best names and shows in The North East. However, during the show Sid was suddenly struck with a heart attack and collapsed on the stage.
What was most tragic about this is that neither the audience, or his fellow actors, did not initially understand what was happening and assumed it was part of the act, meaning when he collapsed people laughed at it. However when he failed to respond to his fellow actors and prompts for his likes, they realised something was wrong and the curtains were brought down.
Sid was rushed to the Sunderland Royal hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival, bringing an end to the comic legend. The death of Sid has since sparked a popular rumour that his spirit haunts the Sunderland Empire and its dressing rooms.
However, it remains questionable why such a funny and light hearted man would become a troubled and tormented spirit. Of course before Sid James it was rumoured the theatre was instead haunted by the spirit of Molly Moselle, a woman who disappeared and was apparently found in grotesque circumstances never explained.