We today announce plans to remove the famous statue which crowns the dome of the Lyceum theatre. On Monday 6 March, the statue of the Roman messenger god Mercury – affectionately nicknamed by theatre staff as ‘Freddie’ – will be taken down and assessed for repair.

An iconic figure in Sheffield’s skyline, the statue marks the Lyceum theatre which stands on Tudor Square next to its sister venue the Crucible, both of which are part of the Sheffield Theatres complex. The Lyceum theatre was designed by theatre architect W.G.R. Sprague and boasts a traditional proscenium arch design. It is the only surviving auditorium outside London designed by Sprague and is a Grade II* listed building.

The statue of Mercury was crafted by Wendy Wall in 1990. The figure stands around 12-foot-tall and was made using fibreglass with a layer of paint on the outside containing copper flakes. The current statue is a replica of one which adorned the Lyceum during its early years as a theatre. It is unknown when the original statue was removed, or whether it still exists, although there is suggestion that it was detached sometime after the Theatre Royal (formerly opposite the Lyceum theatre on Tudor Square) suffered a fire in 1935 and was demolished officially in 1936.

A condition report on the current statue was recently carried out by Sally Strachey Historic Conservation Ltd., concluding that the statue should be detached and assessed in more detail, due to the rusting of its steel framework inside. This will be taking place on Monday 6 March, with the view to a repairs appraisal being carried out.

John Bates, Operations Director of Sheffield Theatres, said:

“We are very fond of Freddie as he is a key visual of the building which we all know so well and love working in. Having undertaken the condition report, we’re glad that we are able to action the results in order to keep our buildings in the utmost condition, whilst also honouring an icon of our city’s famous skyline.”

David Heugh, Chairman of the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre Trust, added

"Having looked out from his wonderful vantage point overlooking Tudor Square and the city for so many years we are delighted to give ‘Freddie’ the care and consideration such an iconic statue deserves."

Once the statue has been removed, a full assessment will be able to take place to determine what’s next for ‘Freddie’.