next stage news

February 2009
The Crucible unveils its new carpet!

After much anticipation Sheffield Theatres can unveil the eagerly awaited new carpet that is currently being laid in the Crucible foyer. The Crucible carpet has played a surprising role in the history of the Theatre and Sheffield Theatres are proud to reveal the new look and design.

The carpet has a diagonal stripe pattern of repeating purple, orange and red colours, compared to six colours used in the infamous previous carpet, which was the third in the Theatre’s history.

Previously, the carpet design was based on the angles of the building and the coloured doors to the auditorium entrance. The new design was chosen because these are the colours of the three central doors. The designers (Wilton) were asked to present something based on the original 1971 carpet. Many a star has graced the carpet including Joseph Fiennes, Kenneth Branagh, Joanna Lumley, Steve Davies and Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Sheffield Theatres Chief Executive Angela Galvin said: “The foyer carpet has become an iconic piece of the Crucible. We wanted to maintain this tradition whilst introducing a new colour-way and design. Previous designs have provoked almost as much debate as some of the theatre we have produced. It will be interesting to see if our current choice does the same.”

The Crucible refurbishment has ended phase one of its dramatic redevelopment and will be entering phase two this summer, due for completion in November 2009. The Theatre will open temporarily to host the World Snooker and various test events through March – May, during this time an estimated 45,000 will cross this new carpet into the auditorium. This figure includes World Snooker season ticket holders who will be coming up to three times a day. Between 5,000 and 6,000 will attend the test events in March and April.

The public are invited to purchase a piece of Crucible history and support the redevelopment by purchasing a piece of the previous iconic, multi-coloured carpet. Various pieces have been cut, cleaned and edged and are available from £50. Response has been excellent so there are only a limited number of pieces left, money raised will enable the theatre to reach its vision and plan its artistic programme knowing it has essential funding in place. Other ways of supporting the redevelopment include, sponsoring a seat in either the main auditorium or the studio, sponsoring a ‘twinkle light’ in the Crucible or supporting the Archive Project. To find out more contact Alison Moore 0114 249 5999