The British Theatre Guide: Sheffield's 40th Anniversary

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Dateline: 26th May, 2011

Sheffield's 40th Anniversary

Sheffield Theatres' Artistic Director Daniel Evans today announced the opening productions of the company’s 40th Anniversary Season. The centrepiece of the season is a major production of Shakespeare’s Othello with Clarke Peters in the title role and Dominic West as Iago, directed by Evans.

Daniel Evans said,"“I’m thrilled that the first part of our anniversary season will see two major revivals on the Crucible stage, while in the Studio we’re concentrating on new partnerships with Eclipse Theatre and Paines Plough. Shakespeare’s Othello comes to the Crucible stage for the first time in September and I’m delighted to be working with Clarke Peters and Dominic West on the production. In November, we’ll also be launching a brand new initiative, Sheffield People’s Theatre, which will see a new play devised by the people of Sheffield for the people of Sheffield on our main stage. In such a time of economic uncertainty, particularly in the arts sector, I’m looking forward to celebrating the history and future of this unique theatre."

15– 24 September (previews from 10th)
A Sheffield Theatres and Eclipse Theatre co-production
European première
One Monkey Don't Stop No Show
By Don Evans
In the Studio
The Harrisons are the most respected middle-class Black family in Philadelphia. However, the arrival of their young niece and her new ideas from the rural South, turns their polite, Christian, suburban life on its head.
This co-production between Eclipse Theatre and Sheffield Theatres marks the European première of Don Evans’ lost American classic, and the first time the two companies have co-produced since Eclipse Theatre became resident at Sheffield Theatres. Following the run in the Crucible Studio Theatre, the production will undertake a six-week nationwide tour.

20 September (previews from 15th) – 15 October
Othello
By William Shakespeare
In the Crucible
The cast includes Colin George, Clarke Peters, Dominic West. Directed by Daniel Evans.

5 October to 26 November
The Roundabout Season
In a unique collaboration, Sheffield Theatres and Paines Plough are building a 150-seat portable in-the-round auditorium.
The Roundabout Season will see the world premières of three plays – by Nick Payne, Duncan Macmillan and Penelope Skinner - performed by an ensemble of four actors. The last play in the season, by Penelope Skinner, has been specifically commissioned for the ensemble. All three plays will open at the Crucible Studio, Sheffield, before touring nationwide in spring 2012.

7 – 15 October (previews from 5th )
One Day When We Were Young
By Nick Payne
Directed by Clare Lizzimore
World premiere
When Leonard and Violet embark on their first night together, they know it also might be their last. It’s 1942 and in a small hotel room in Bath, the couple prepare for Leonard’s departure to war, and dream of what the future may bring. As the V1 bombs begin to fall, they know their world won’t ever be the same again.

21– 29 October (previews from 19th)
Lungs
By Duncan Macmillan
Directed by Richard Wilson
World premiere
In a time of global anxiety, terrorism, erratic weather and political unrest, a young couple want a child. If they over think it, they'll never do it. But if they rush, it could be a disaster. What will be the first to destruct - the planet or the relationship?

18– 26 November (previews from 16th)
Untitled
By Penelope Skinner
Directed by James Grieve
World premiere
Two boys, two girls; you may think you have you've heard this story before. You haven't.

5th December 2011(previews from 29 November) – 7 January 2012
Company
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by George Furth
Directed by Jonathan Munby

To mark the 40th anniversary, the company are presenting a host of events to celebrate the artistic life of the theatre, the city and most importantly, the people who have played a vital role in its success. From the theatre staff, to the actors, and the audiences, the company will be marking the special place the Crucible holds in the life of the city.

The company also announce the launch of Sheffield People’s Theatre – a cross-generational theatre company for people aged 12 years and above. The newly formed company will meet regularly at the Crucible and Lyceum, and their debut project Lives in Art will be staged in the Crucible. There are also opportunities for those aged 16+ interested in the work behind the scenes to become involved with this new initiative.

3 – 12 November
A Sheffield People’s Theatre Production
Lives in Art
By Richard Hurford
Directed and conceived by: Andrew Loretto
The newly formed Sheffield People’s Theatre presents this passionate, moving and humorous play for all ages.
On an empty stage a lone figure tries to stop the creation of art. However, as stories unfold, music soars and memories of love and life come rushing back, the magic proves unstoppable.
Featuring a large company of local performers from in and around Sheffield, this production has been specially commissioned for the Crucible’s 40th year.

East Midlands Trains First Time Fridays
As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations, Sheffield Theatres has devised First Time Fridays which will be sponsored by East Midlands Trains.

East Midlands Trains First Time Fridays offers customers who are new to booking tickets at the Crucible theatre the chance to buy tickets for only 40p on Friday performances throughout the birthday year. This season there are 40 tickets for 40p available on Friday performances of Othello, Lives in Art and Company. The scheme has been devised as part of the theatre’s commitment to developing new audiences.

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