We held our annual Fundraising Gala on Thursday last week - a 50th Anniversary special - to generate support for the next 50 years of theatre in Sheffield. The event was supported by Investec Wealth and Investment as headline sponsors and raised a huge £74,210 through ticket sales, donations and fundraising on the night. These vital funds will enable us to continue investing in new talent by supporting emerging artists, support Dementia Friendly activities and community engagement projects, plus create bold and brilliant theatre in the next season of shows.
Guests started the evening with an informal drinks reception where entertainment was provided by harpist, Ruth Lee, and photos with a flower photo board courtesy of Monica F Hewitt Florists. At the event, we unveiled a new Crucible 50 Gin, created by Locksley Distilling Co. Ltd. This unique gin has key botanicals of heather and bilberry representing Sheffield Theatres' purple and our proximity to the Peak District. The gin will be available at our bars and in Crucible Corner or can be purchased directly from Locksley Distilling Co. Ltd with £2 from every bottle sold being donated back to the theatres.
The gala night continued with a 3-course dinner on the Crucible stage, allowing guests the unique experience of enjoying an actor's-eye view of the iconic theatre. During the evening there were performances from the company of ROCK / PAPER / SCISSORS, including a musical medley celebrating 50 years of musicals in the Crucible, written especially for the Gala by Richard Taylor. The evening concluded with a Raffle and Prize Auction, plus the sponsoring of the famous Crucible ‘Twinkle lights’.
We are so grateful to everyone that supported the event, from the guests who attended to the people who donated the fabulous raffle prizes and theatrical experiences for the auction. The funds raised will help us keep investing in talent, working with our communities, developing Dementia Friendly projects and creating brilliant work on our stages as we head into our next 50 years.
