Wait no longer! This week Sheffield Theatres announced Elizabeth Newman’s highly anticipated inaugural season as Artistic Director, with Sheffield Theatres produced and touring productions running from autumn 2025 to summer 2026.
Newly-announced Sheffield Theatres productions in the Crucible:
Dancing at Lughnasa: Brian Friel’s multi-award-winning drama is a powerful and moving exploration of reflection, memory and how the future will arrive no matter how much we resist. Directed by Elizabeth Newman, this co-production between Sheffield Theatres and Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre plays from Saturday 13 September – Saturday 4 October 2025.
A Christmas Carol: The Sheffield Theatres production for Christmas is adapted by Aisha Khan and directed by Elin Schofield. Featuring the Sheffield Carols, redemption, heart, and holiday spirit shine in Charles Dickens’ timeless classic. The play runs from Saturday 29 November 2025 – Saturday 10 January 2026.
Crown of Blood – A Yoruba Adaptation of Macbeth: A Sheffield Theatres and Utopia Theatre co-production, written by Oladipo Agboluaje and directed by Mojisola Kareem. A powerful retelling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth set during the civil wars of the 19th century Yorubaland. From Monday 2 – Saturday 7 February 2026.
The Ladies Football Club: A brand-new production by Stefano Massini, adapted by Tim Firth and directed by Elizabeth Newman. This play explores the remarkable origins of war-time women workers making football their own and runs Saturday 28 February - Saturday 28 March 2026.
Summer Holiday: The iconic 1960s film adapted for Sheffield Theatres is directed by Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti. The musical runs from Saturday 20 June - Saturday 18 July 2026.
The Year of the Runaways: Sunjeev Sahota’s award-winning novel will be adapted by Stephanie Street. Opening in 2027, tickets and further details are to be announced soon.
Sheffield Theatres productions in the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse:
Consumed: Presented by Sheffield Theatres, Paines Plough, Women’s Prize for Playwriting and Belgrade Theatre, the winner of the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, Karis Kelly’s Consumed is a pitch-black and twisted tale of dysfunctional family dynamics, generational trauma and national boundaries and will be directed by Katie Posner. The play runs from Wednesday 24 September – Saturday 11 October 2025.
My Brother’s A Genius: A Sheffield Theatres, Theatre Centre and National Youth Theatre co-production by Debris Stevenson, playing from Wednesday 28 January - Saturday 14 February 2026.
Living: By award-winning Sheffield playwright Leo Butler, marking his homecoming to Sheffield Theatres. This drama about the funny business of life throughout sixty years of change will be directed by Abigail Graham and runs from Saturday 14 March – Saturday 4 April 2026.
Various creative projects and community engagement schemes will take place across the season. Alongside Summer Holiday, families can enjoy a day at the seaside with the Sheffield Theatres Beach, or during Dancing at Lughnasa, take part in movement themselves in the Lughnasa Dance Festival. Tudor Square will also host the Montgomery Theatre Summer Party, Sheffield Theatres’ Candlelit Carol Concert at Christmas, plus a Theatre Football Tournament to coincide with The Ladies Football Club.
Touring productions visiting the Lyceum:
The Last Laugh: Following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Damian Williams returns to the Lyceum in The Last Laugh, where he stars as Tommy Cooper, alongside Bob Golding as Eric Morecambe and Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse. Filled with great gags, poignant stories and guaranteed to be an unforgettable night out from Tuesday 1 - Saturday 5 July 2025.
Matthew Bourne’s The Midnight Bell: Set in 1930s London it’s a tavern where one particular lonely-hearts club gather to play out their lovelorn affairs of the heart; bitter comedies of longing, frustration, betrayal and redemption. From Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 September 2025.
Buffy Revamped: In a fast-paced new production, comedian Brendan Murphy brings the entire 144 episodes of the hit TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out… Spike. Funny, satirical and bursting with 90s pop culture references, it is the perfect parody for Buffy aficionados and those who never enrolled at Sunnydale High alike. On Friday 3 October 2025.
Emma: The 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen is celebrated in fitting style with a new stage adaptation of Emma, her dazzling comedy of manners, adapted by Ryan Craig. The high-spirited Emma Woodhouse is determined that she will never marry but loves to meddle in her friends’ and neighbours’ relationships. But as the romantic web she weaves becomes ever more entangled, will Emma herself get swept up in true love’s wake? From Tuesday 7 – Saturday 11 October 2025.
Dear England: The National Theatre’s Olivier Award-winning smash hit comes to Sheffield, in a highly anticipated national tour. From multi award-winning writer James Graham and director Rupert Goold, this five-star ‘new stage epic’ (Telegraph) tells the uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring story of Gareth Southgate’s revolutionary tenure as England manager in a gripping examination of nation and game. A co-production with JAS Theatricals. From Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 October 2025.
Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts: ITV’s long-running Inspector Morse, has been hailed by Radio Times as ‘the greatest British crime series of all time’. House of Ghosts marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic detective. This original story is a must-see for fans of compelling detective stories and thrilling mysteries. From Tuesday 28 October - Saturday 1 November 2025.
Northern Ballet's Merlin: Discover how the world’s most famous sorcerer mastered his powers in an epic adventure. Don’t miss spectacular sets and costumes, mind-boggling special effects and world-class dance. From Tuesday 4 - Saturday 8 November 2025.
The Band (STOS Theatre Company): In 1992, for five 16 year-old girls, ‘The Band’ is everything. 25 years later, the girls, once inseparable, reunite to see their heartthrobs one last time. Featuring the music of Take That, including Never Forget, Back For Good and Rule The World. From Tuesday 11 - Saturday 15 November 2025.
Here & Now: The Steps Musical: Based on the songs of pop phenomenon Steps, welcome to seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, where it's Friday night, the vibe is right and everyone's dancing in the aisles. Here & Now is produced by Steps themselves, ROYO, and music legend Pete Waterman, and features many of Steps' iconic hits, including Stomp and 5,6,7,8. From Tuesday 18 - Saturday 22 November 2025.
Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift: DCI Barnaby and Sergeant Troy uncover a world of hidden passions, long-buried secrets and deadly rivalries. With eccentric villagers, shocking twists and an unforgettable reveal, this classic whodunnit brings to life the wit, charm and chilling suspense of the beloved TV series and original series of books. Spend an evening in England’s deadliest county… From Tuesday 25 - Saturday 29 November 2025.
To Kill A Mockingbird: Aaron Sorkin’s riveting, award-winning stage adaptation of the seminal American novel became a Broadway and West End sensation. Touring to Sheffield from Tuesday 27 January - Saturday 7 February 2026.
The Bodyguard: Former Secret Service agent-turned-bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love. The Bodyguard features a whole host of irresistible classics including I Wanna Dance With Somebody and, of course, the legendary I Will Always Love You. From Tuesday 10 - Saturday 14 February 2026.
Yonks!: Chris McCausland is hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has, literally, been yonks in the making. He's been called an "overnight success", even though he's been doing this for bloody yonks! For one night only on Tuesday 17 February 2026.
Uncanny: Fear of the Dark: Danny Robins and his team of experts are back with even more terrifying real-life stories and witness. Using a unique mix of sound, projection, stagecraft and recollections of events that seem to defy logical explanation, this is story-telling and paranormal investigation at its peak. On Wednesday 18 February 2026.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea: The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! From Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 February 2026.
Touring productions heading to the Crucible:
The World Seniors Snooker Championship 2025: Jimmy White and Ken Doherty will head a stellar field with Igor Figueiredo as the defending Champion. From Wednesday 7 – Sunday 11 May 2025.
… Earnest? When a production of Oscar Wilde’s play gets underway, everything seems to be going to plan, that is, until the lead actor fails to arrive on cue and an actual audience member is chosen to star in the show. From Tuesday 20 – Wednesday 21 May 2025.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical: The Olivier Award-winning musical comedy that’s made up on the spot from audience suggestions, with hilarious results. From Friday 6 – Saturday 7 June 2025.
Bluebelle: Opening in an empty theatre with just a ‘ghost light’ on stage, the ghosts of former actors emerge. They are ready to play. Weaving together plots and characters from ancient folktales, Bluebelle reminds us that life is shaped by the stories we tell and leave behind. From Wednesday 11 - Thursday 12 June 2025.
Crossed Wires Festival: Returning to the city from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July 2025, with events across Sheffield's most iconic venues. See crossedwires.live for more information
An Evening Without Kate Bush: She’s not there - but you are. Whether you’ve been a fan for decades or recently joined the shoal via the ‘Stranger Things’ phenomenon, there has never been a better time to celebrate at this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show. Sarah-Louise Young and co-creator Russell Lucas pay glorious homage to the music, fans, and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music. On Tuesday 15 July 2025.
The Vagina Monologues: Deafinitely Theatre presents V’s (formerly Eve Ensler) collection of funny, lively and emotional monologues of the untold experiences of women in a powerful theatrical experience, for the first time in a BSL and spoken English. On Thursday 17 July 2025.
Black Is The Color Of My Voice: Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play reflects on Nina Simone’s journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. Featuring many of Simone’s most iconic songs, performed live on Friday 17 October 2025.
Reactive: Jen Brister is reactive - or so she’s been told. Apparently you don't have to respond to every little thing around you. Finding herself in a constant state of exacerbation at the state of the world and people in general, Brister has been told she needs to chill the hell out. Can Jen find her zen? It seems unlikely to be honest… On Thursday 23 October 2025.
I Am A Strange Gloop: Have you ever been awake in the middle of the night and thought something so smart and astute that you couldn’t wait for the world to wake up so you could tell them? This show is that thought - in that it doesn’t make much sense and is a bit weird on reflection. Presented by Sara Pascoe on Wednesday 29 October 2025.
In the Playhouse, touring productions include:
STEEL: Two lads. Twelve hours. One million pounds. On the wet West Cumbrian coast, James and Kamran have been mates for more than a decade. At seventeen, the world should be theirs, but Workington’s a ghost town. When James discovers he is heir to a single mile of the British railway system, the lads are forced on a town-wide treasure hunt, painting the town technicolour. A play about first loves, forging identities and the wild, wild hearts of teenage boys. Presented by Theatre by the Lake from Tuesday 13 – Wednesday 14 May 2025.
A Tale Of Us: A funny, frank and magical journey through their first year of life with a little one. Ivy’s just had a baby. She’s never felt so full of love – or so alone. But she’s working it out. Blending drama and multi-sensory playtime, this is a celebration of the wonder, joys and challenges of becoming a new parent. On Thursday 29 May 2025.
The Mountain Witch: An enchanting production inspired by timeless themes of folklore and human experience. Through dance, music and song, this adventurous tale tells the story of an ancient and powerful witch, seasons gone awry, and the determination of children to put things right. On Saturday 31 May 2025.
The Greatest Performance Of My Life: Covering pantomimes to dreams, how to behave in hospitals, small talk, realising your Mum is a northern version of Columbo, and how being a smart-mouthed kid saves you from a life of continually being beaten up. Funny and interesting, and perhaps a little bit to warm the soul too. On Tuesday 10 June 2025.
RUM: Meet Danny, plastering since he was a kid, he’s not scared of anything, he’s RUM. Danny’s been up all night and now he’s rushing to finish a job before he has to give the speech of his life. RUM is a darkly humorous and powerful new play by Joe Mallalieu that wrestles with masculinity, mental health and addiction. On Thursday 12 June 2025.
HELIOS: A story about the son of the god of the sun, from Wright&Grainge. HELIOS transplants an ancient Greek tale into a modern-day myth, wound round the winding roads of rural England and into the everyday living of a towering city. On Saturday 14 June 2025.
Robyn Hood: An original take on the classic folktale, Robyn Hood is a playful and musical new show for children and their grown-ups, featuring playful storytelling, original live music, friendly audience participation and integrated audio description. From Friday 25 - Saturday 26 July 2025.
Gwenda’s Garage: 1980s Sheffield, Thatcher’s Britain: politics, passion, protest, where anything might happen … and usually does. Three women mechanics set up their own garage in a run-down area of the city, naming it after Gwenda Stewart, a pioneering racing driver. Gwenda’s Garage is an exuberant call to arms, fired by fun, feminism, friendship, and above all an affirming belief in the power of collective action. Returning from Wednesday 15 - Saturday 25 October 2025 after previous sold-out performances.
Community festivals taking place at Sheffield Theatres this year include:
Together Festival: a lively and welcoming free festival celebrating theatre and arts created with community groups across Sheffield. Experience live performance, music, dance and creativity at the heart of the Crucible from Thursday 31 July – Saturday 2 August 2025.
Launchpad Festival: Launchpad is a group for adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities and/or Autism. This year, they present their first festival, a warm and welcoming free event that celebrates theatre and arts created by and with Learning Disabled people in Sheffield and beyond. Drop by for free music, puppetry and performances for everyone in a relaxed and accessible atmosphere from Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 July 2025.
Elizabeth Newman, Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, said: “It has been a great privilege to conceive my first season as Sheffield Theatres' Artistic Director. It’s been an exciting journey to create this year-long programme packed with a mix of new and familiar work, and I really hope there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’re incredibly proud to be powered by our amazing city, and can’t wait to welcome everyone into one of our four theatres this year."
New productions will go on sale to Centre Stage Members at 10am on Saturday 1 March and on general sale at 10am on Saturday 8 March. Tickets can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.
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