Off the Shelf Festival of Words, delivered by the University of Sheffield, has announced an early release of tickets for a selection of its highly anticipated autumn 2025 events, including events in the Crucible.

While the full programme for the autumn season will be unveiled in August, Off the Shelf is providing audiences with a head start on a few headline events.

Among the headline events is an appearance by award-winning actress Alison Steadman OBE, who will appear on Sat 1 November at the Crucible to discuss her memoir, Out of Character: From Abigail’s Party to Gavin and Stacey. Alison has had a distinguished career encompassing collaborations with Mike Leigh (including Abigail's Party and Nuts in May), her portrayal of Mrs. Bennett in the BBC's Pride and Prejudice and memorable roles in Gavin & Stacey and Fat Friends. Book here.

BAFTA-nominated and internationally celebrated writer Lemn Sissay OBE will perform on Sun 12 October at Firth Hall. He will be reading from his Sunday Times bestseller, Let the Light Pour In. Sissay is the recipient of numerous accolades for his contributions to literature including the prestigious Pen Pinter Prize. Join him for an evening of powerful words and uplifting poetry. Book here.

Celebrated poet, playwright and broadcaster Simon Armitage, UK Poet Laureate and former Professor of Poetry at the University of Sheffield, will feature as part of the festival on Wed 15 October at The Octagon. Armitage will read from his latest poetry collections and will perform with the band LYR. LYR are firmly established on the contemporary music scene, with critically acclaimed albums, sell out UK tours and major festival appearances LYR blends Armitage's profound poetry with atmospheric arrangements, creating an unforgettable musical experience. Book here.

Novelist, short story writer and broadcaster Kate Mosse, acclaimed for her historical and gothic fiction, will discuss her book Feminist History for Every Day of the Year on Thu 16 October at the Millennium Gallery. The author of the multi-million selling Languedoc Trilogy, winner of the British Book Award for Social Impact 2025 and a champion of the #WomanInHistory campaign, Mosse’s evening is anticipated to be an enthralling discussion. Book here.

Prominent historian, author and television presenter Lucy Worsley OBE will attend the festival on Mon 10 November at the Octagon Centre. Her numerous critically acclaimed documentaries and books include Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII and Queen Victoria: Daughter, Wife, Mother, Widow. Worsley will delve into the fascinating story of Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire, bringing history to life with her characteristic enthusiasm and knowledge. Book here.

Sheffield's own Graham Fellows, celebrated for his 1978 novelty hit Jilted John and his beloved comedic persona John Shuttleworth, will be appearing on Fri 10 October at Firth Hall. Fellows has a dedicated following through his BBC Radio 4 series The Shuttleworths and will reflect on a crumbly selection of witty tales, dry humour, and reflections from his new book John Shuttleworth Takes The Biscuit!, exploring the wonderfully mundane world of Shuttleworth and his life in and around Sheffield. Book Now.

Writer, lecturer, and broadcaster Kenan Malik will discuss his book, Not So Black and White, on Sun 19 October at Firth Hall. Malik has contributed to publications such as The Guardian, The Observer and The New York Times and presented programmes on BBC Radio 4. Malik will offer his perspectives on race and immigration in conversation with two times Booker Prize shortlister Sunjeev Sahota. Book here.

British novelist Mick Herron best known for his Slough House series of spy novels will join the festival on Thu 16 October at the Showroom Cinema. Herron's work is celebrated for its sharp wit, intricate plots, and dark humor. The Slough House series has been adapted into a successful TV show, Slow Horses, starring Gary Oldman. Join Mick as he discusses the much-anticipated first Slough House book in three years Clown Town which promises the Herron trademarks of wit, satire and gripping storytelling. Book here.

Tickets for these early bird events are on sale now and can be booked in person via the Crucible Box Office or online at www.offtheshelf.org.uk