next stage news

November 2007
Let building commence

Work on the multi-million pound refurbishment project is underway, with the new brass roof now in place.

Above: how The Crucible will look when the work is complete

The Crucible has built an internationally-renowned reputation for cutting edge theatre and international sport since opening in 1971, but it has long been felt that the facilities did not quite match the quality of the productions and tournaments on show.

Now everything is set to change thanks to guaranteed funding from Arts Council England, European Regional Development Fund, Yorkshire Forward and Sheffield City Council that allows Sheffield Theatres to embark upon an exciting refurbishment programme that will see:

• A brand new thrust stage installed
• Upgraded seating, lighting, sound system and temperature control in the main auditorium
• Wheelchair user access to all floors of the theatre
• Improved hospitality including an overhaul of the bar and restaurant facilities and new function rooms
• A brand new box-office area with a distinctive facia and easy access from Tudor Square.
• A new digital archive, creative development and research centre
• Backstage improvements including upgraded dressing rooms

In order for the building work to take place, it will be necessary to close the Crucible after Amadeus until autumn 2009, although work will halt each year to enable the World Snooker Championships to continue unaffected.

The new box office will be open to the public from April 2009, with productions on the main stage from December 2009. Work will continue in the Studio and non-public areas of the theatre until March 2010.

“The Crucible has an international reputation for excellence and the refurbishment will ensure that that reputation is enhanced even further,” says Sheffield Theatres’ chief executive Angela Galvin. “By the time the building work is complete, the people of Sheffield will have something to be really proud of - from the work on the stages through to the appearance of the public areas.”

The Lyceum is totally unaffected by the refurbishment of the Crucible. For details of upcoming shows, click here.

Key refurbishment dates

Jan 08 - Work commences on building new thrust stage

Apr 08 - World Snooker

May 08 - Work commences on auditorium, lifts, box office, foyer and Long Bar

Mar 09 - Work on foyer, lifts and Long Bar complete

Apr 09 - World Snooker / box office opens

Sep 09 - Work on backstage areas commences

Dec 09 - Crucible main auditorium opens

Mar 10 - Crucible completely refurbished

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