Sheffield Theatres' three performance spaces: Crucible, Lyceum and Studio.

The Lyceum. Sheffield's oldest theatre, designed by W.G.R. Sprague and opened in 1897 with a production of Carmen by the Carl Rosa Opera Company. In 1968 the theatre closed, reopening for brief spells as a rock venue. Following extensive refurbishment the Lyceum finally reopened as a theatre in December 1990. Now a top regional touring venue, the Lyceum is host to many companies. The proscenium arch-stage theatre has a seating capacity of 1131. The building also houses the Creative Development team.

Click here to go backstage at the Lyceum

Outside Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

The versatile Studio, expanded in 1994 to accommodate 400, is the home of Music in the Round, plays host to a number of medium-scale tours, Sheffield Theatres' productions and is a space for the Creative Development team to perform plays and run workshops and education sessions. The Studio is housed within the Crucible building.

Click here to go backstage at the Studio

The Crucible was built in 1971 replacing the repertory role of the Sheffield Playhouse (which existed on another site in the city). It has become more than a theatre with a restaurant, gift shop, bar and café and of course, as a host to the World Snooker Championships. The performance area is a thrust stage with total capacity of 980 seated in a horseshoe shape where no member of the audience is further than 22 metres from the stage.

Click here to go backstage at the Crucible

Outside the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield   (Studio entrace on the left )

All three theatres are fitted with infrared hearing systems and BSL Signed performances take place regularly.

The staff and facilities are generally shared between the Lyceum and Crucible buildings. At any one time, there can be as many as 200 people working for the theatres from attendants, directors, designers, catering staff, technicians, maintenance and cleaning staff, as well as actors and musicians.