Sheffield's world-famous Crucible Theatre ready to open again with new Together season of shows

Shows taking place in a socially-distanced way will include a special version of the Lyceum’s ever-popular pantomime, starring ‘Dame’ Damian Williams.

However, only the Crucible main stage will open at the moment – currently Sheffield Theatres say the plan is for the neighbouring Lyceum to reopen in spring.

Safety measures put in place will include the introduction of contactless e-tickets, staggered audience arrival times, temperature checks, the ability to purchase tickets in distanced bubbles and new cleaning routines.

All performances will be run straight through with no interval and evening shows will finish by 9.30pm.

Rob Hastie, Sheffield Theatres artistic director , said: “We’ve been working on this all summer. It’s born of a really strongly-held belief that we’re theatre and we should be making theatre if we’re able to.

“We know the city is depending on us. We know from talking in depth to our audiences over the last few months that, as long as it’s safe and following guidelines, people are eager to get back to enjoying live performance.

“I really believe that sense of joy, hope and community that we can deliver, if we can do it in a way that takes care of audiences and makes everyone feel comfortable and safe, there’s no way we can’t keep this sense of joy and community alive.”

The first production in this season will be the world premiere of African women’s story Here’s What She Said to Me by Oladipo Agboluajeu, from October 30 to November 14.

Returning to Sheffield following its 2016 sell-out run is Operation Crucible by Kieran Knowles, marking 80 years since the bombing raids that devastated the city, from November 17-28.

Far Gone by John Rwothomack returns following its premiere in the Crucible Studio last year, on December 3 and 4.

Damian’s Pop-Up Panto! will bring together Damian Williams and an ensemble of actors together for a festive treat, from December 16-January 3.

Rob said that the experience of the World Snooker Championships had played a role in seeing what was possible.

He said: “We worked in partnership with the Department for Media, Culture and Sport and Public Health England and Sheffield Council to deliver a safe, exciting live event, although not for every day of the tournament.

“We know situations can change and we’ve experienced that firsthand. In that case we roll with the punches. You get knocked down, you get up again.”

Rob said a lot of work has also gone into making sure the artists, production teams, backstage and support staff will be working in a safe environment.

Rob said: “It’s so nice to be able to talk about this. What’s kept us going in the last few months, which have been very difficult for everybody, was working towards being able to talk about making work and welcoming audiences again.”

For details of the new season and bookings, go to sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

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