Latest News

February 2009
The Crucible Awakes

The Crucible Theatre has completed phase one of its astounding £15.3 million redevelopment ‘the next stage’. To celebrate and mark the completion of this work the Crucible will be opening its doors temporarily for an exciting series of test events from Saturday March 21 to Saturday 4 April. These test events will enable the public to have an exclusive look at the theatre’s dramatic changes and test the building’s brand new facilities. For these events an array of entertainment will also be showcased on the Crucible stage, including work from Sheffield Theatre’s Creative Development Team, comedy, music, live art and a few extra special surprises. The building will then host World Snooker 2009 in April/May, then close again to begin phase two of the work in time for a gala re-opening in November 2009.

Phase one of the Capital project comprised of enabling works such as fitting a new roof, reinforcing building foundations, new outside cladding, glazing and redevelopment of the front of house areas. Access improvements include more wheelchair spaces added to the auditorium, handrails a new lift serving all levels and a new ramp into the bar area. The Box Office has relocated to the front of the building, with a wider, brighter space providing a more welcome experience for visitors and theatre goers. As well as now being fully accessible throughout striking visual changes include the dramatic new entrance, a more central and remodelled bar area, the use of recycled materials from old £10 notes to Wellington boots and a new Crucible Carpet. The signature auditorium has been fitted with brand new thrust stage, new seats with higher backs for more comfort have been installed and new energy ‘twinkle’ lights enhance one of the UK’s most stunning theatrical spaces.

Chief Executive Angela Galvin said “This is a pivotal point to mark the completion of phase one of the redevelopment, the Crucible is a central element within Sheffield's cultural life and while not only giving pride to people who live here the building is a beacon that attracts people to the city. These series of exclusive events give people the opportunity to see what we have done so far, help us test the new facilities and celebrate the start of the awakening of the new Crucible.”

The architects for the next stage are Burrell Foley Fischer. Established in 1982 and based in London, they have worked on many high profile projects such as The Royal Society, Brighton West Pier and the Palace Theatre in Watford. Funding for the project has come from Arts Council England (ACE), European Regional Development Fund under Objective One, Sheffield City Council and Yorkshire Forward.

In 2008 The Crucible was awarded Grade II listed status, as a building of architectural and historic importance by English Heritage. The Crucible now joins a strikingly varied group of listed public buildings in Sheffield City Centre, including the adjacent Lyceum Theatre, meaning that all three of Sheffield Theatre’s performance spaces are now located within buildings of architectural or historical significance.

Test Events:

Saturday 21 March
Journeys Day
12.00pm – 6.00pm Free Entry

This exciting family event taking place in the Crucible Theatre will be an opportunity to share in the work of the theatres year long oral history project Journey to the City. Activities include performances of Sheffield Theatres production of Suitcase City and community performances events. This year long heritage project has been supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund. This, community focused, city wide project explores, captures and celebrates the lives and experiences of the people who live in Sheffield and who make it the city it is today.

Thursday 26 March
The Crucible Awakes
7.45pm Tickets £15 (no concessions)

This exclusive one off event will be an unmissable evening extravaganza of light, sound, entertainment and surprises to mark the completion of the first phase of the Theatre’s development. The evening will include some familiar faces, stars from the West End, Comedy, music and many surprises. There are a limited number of tickets for this event; information is available on Sheffield Theatres website www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Friday 27 March
Comedy Store Players
7.45pm Tickets £15 (no concessions)

Comedy Store management present the world famous comedy store players, bringing their unique and ingenious show to Sheffield for one night only. Established in 1985 the players are renowned for their rapid fire wit and impressive powers of improvisation. Internationally renowned and widely regarded as the leading Improv Troupe in the UK, don’t miss this rare opportunity to be amazed as they weave imrpov magic before your eyes!

Saturday 28 March
The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain
7.45pm Tickets £15 (no concessions)

The Ukulele Orchestra is a group of all strumming Ukulele players who combine music humour, pop trivia culture and with only a menagerie of voices turn key moments of rock and roll history into a head on collision between post punk performance and toe tapping oldies. This concert promises to be a twanging, singing, foot stomping melodious evening!

Wednesday 1 April
Crucible Quiz Night
8.15pm (Free Entry)

A quizzical night in the Crucible, relax and join us in our new bar area for a fun quiz for everyone to join in and enjoy!

Friday 3 April
Noise Ensemble
7.45pm Tickets £15 (no concessions)

Following standing ovations worldwide and playing at Wembley for the FA Cup Final, hit percussion spectacular Noise Ensemble come to the Crucible. The beat of acclaimed composer Ethan Lewis Maltby’s majestic score is brought to life by ten talented young virtuoso percussionists. With epic beats, stunning lighting and a stormy score, this will be an outstanding musical experience for all the family.

Saturday 4 April
Forced Entertainment presents
Spectacular
7.45pm Tickets £15 (no concessions)

Since 1984 Sheffield based Forced Entertainment has presented projects all over the world, The Guardian has called them ‘Britain’s most brilliant experimental theatre company’. Their work varies from extreme theatrics to minimal text based performances. In SPECTACULAR a lone performer takes to the Crucible stage, explaining that the show we’re watching is somehow different tonight. Perhaps the fact he is dressed as a skeleton may have something to do with it! Intimate and comical this provocative and playful new work seductively winds the audience into the world of a missing performance.