The Lyceum (on the right) is a 1068-seat theatre. Built in 1897 following a traditional proscenium arch design, the Lyceum is the only surviving theatre outside of London designed by the famous theatre architect W.G.R. Sprague and the last example of an Edwardian auditorium in Sheffield. The Statue on top of the Lyceum is Mercury, son of Zeus and Maia.
The Crucible Theatre was built by M J Gleeson and opened in 1971, replacing the Playhouse Repertory theatre in Townhead Street. In 1967 Colin George, the founding Artistic Director of the Crucible, recommended a thrust stage for Sheffield, inspired by theatres created by Sir Tyrone Guthrie. Renton Howard Wood Levin Architects were engaged and the building itself began to take shape in 1969. It was completed in two years, with the opening performance in November 1971 of 'Fanfare', an innovative variety show.
Both theatres hold many memories for me. Mum and dad often took us to The Lyceum for Musicals, most memorably 'The Student Prince' and later 'Camelot'.
I worked front of house at The Crucible while studying for A levels. I saw many wonderful productions including 'The Stirrings in Sheffield on Saturday Night', a musical documentary based on the Victorian steel workers, and 'Facets on a Golden Image' featuring Sheffield's first nude scene! One of my jobs was to sit in the play and look for camera flashes to ensure no one broke the rules about taking photos. I got very good at pinpointing seats in rows.
@pyrrhula Thank you. They are both interesting theatres and I am glad they are both preserved as many of the other Sheffield theatres were demolished. Katharine
@bobhuegel Thanks. I like the Lyceum for its more traditional look and productions, the Crucible is great for Shakespeare and more off-beat productions. katharine
