Summer refurbishment plan revealed for historic Sheffield Lyceum theatre - with more seats to be added
Refurbishment lined up inside famous venue
One of Sheffield’s most famous theatres is set for a major refurbishment, which will transform its inside seating arrangements.
Sheffield Theatres plans to bring new, more comfortable seats to replace seats to its balcony area, which they say are now effectively falling apart, having been used for some 30 years at the Lyceum Theatre in the city centre.
Bosses say it will return the venue’s balcony area to its original configuration, like it was when it was first built in Victorian times, and say it will be able to stay open throughout the project.
The venue dates back to 1897, and is now a grade two listed building.
Under the plans, which have been submitted to Sheffield Council in a planning application, work would transform the popular balcony section of the famous theatre, home to the city’s main pantomime every year, as well as the venue for many well known touring productions.
It would also see a redesign, which would mean that an aisle which currently runs down the centre of the balcony auditorium between two rows of seats, would be removed, so that the seats would go right across the full width. And guardrails which obstruct the view would be taken out.
A heritage statement which accompanies the plans describes the balcony’s existing 1990s seats as ‘beyond economic repair’ with failing springs, and squeaking backs.
They stated that the current layout restricts comfort and accessibility. The new seats will be wider than those which are currently in place.
They added: “High-back seats will improve comfort, enhance sightlines, and better protect the modesty of those seated behind.
“The 1990s central aisle and guardrails compromise sightlines, and do not reflect the original design.”
Sheffield Theatres chief executive, Tom Bird told The Star: "We're delighted that Sheffield Theatres can continue to invest in Sheffield's gorgeous Lyceum.
“The balcony seats, which have been used by thousands of audience members every week for decades, are in need of an upgrade. This will take place this summer should the required permissions be granted. The Lyceum will remain open as usual and there will be no disruption to scheduled performances.”
The plans come at a time when the city’s other famous theatre, The Crucible, is also looking at changes, which will expand its capacity, to enable it to hold more spectators for the World Snooker Championships.
The £45m Crucible redevelopment work is set to begin in 2028, with theatre productions moving to the Lyceum Theatre during the subsequent two years.