Sylvester Stallone books Sheffield date

Tickets for the event, at Sheffield City Hall on Sunday, January 25, go on sale on Monday, December 1, at 10am.

The actor, writer, producer and director of almost 90 movies is one of Hollywood’s biggest ever box office draws, from his breakthrough Rocky role in 1976 to his latest blockbuster movie franchise, The Expendables.

He will share insights from his career as he is interviewed on stage for 90 minutes.

The evening will also include a chance for fans in the audience to ask him questions and win prizes, including a photo opportunity to meet him backstage and signed memorabilia.

Rocky grew to a franchise of five sequels and in 2006 the star concluded the series with Rocky Balboa, a critical and audience success which resolutely confirmed both Stallone and Rocky as iconic cultural symbols.

He wrote, directed and starred in Rambo, which continued the saga of Vietnam vet John Rambo 25 years after the debut ofthe original, Rambo: First Blood.

His most ambitious project, the action thriller The Expendables, which he wrote, directed and starred in, saw him hire an all star action cast including Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li, Eric Roberts, Dolph Lungren and Steve Austin – as well as Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

It opened at number one at the US Box Office – making Stallone the only actor in Hollywood history to open a number one film across five decades.

Promoter Rocco Buonvino brought Stallone to the London Palladium in January and Manchester Arena in the summer. His other evening with guests have included Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Travlota and Quincy Jones.

Godfather star Al Pacino is coming over in April.

But first Rocco said he wanted to give Sheffield - the boxing capital of the north - a knockout up close and personal intimate evening, in a theatre-style setting, with the king of the movie ring.

“Sly is very excited to be visiting up north and Sheffield in particular. He’s expecting a great audience and promising a fantastic night for all his fans,” said Rocco.

“We are told The Beatles played at the City Hall 50-years ago and people are still talking about that. This is going to be the same. People will be talking about the night they saw Sylvester Stallone in the steel city.

“But fans do need to book quickly. We’ve priced tickets for every pocket, but there’s only a limited number and with Christmas coming we expecting them to sell out quickly.

“We will also be giving people the chance to upgrade, to have their photo taken with him on the night. But numbers will be strictly limited and you will need to buy a ticket first. We’ll be releasing more details soon.

“The city has got a great boxing history, with the Olympic squad based here and famous names, including Brendan Ingle, Glynn Rhodes, Prince Naz and modern day stars, Kell Brook and Kid Galahad. I’m sure Sly would like to meet some of them. He’s a huge boxing fan.

“But, to be honest, we’re expecting as many fans also wanting to listen to him talk about Rambo and The Expendables.

• Tickets are from £45, may be subject fees. For full details visit the City Hall in person, call 0114 2789 789 or visit www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk. Also visit www.roccobuonvinoproductions.com and www.wow247.co.uk.