Expansion and upgrade of Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre

Theatres Trust welcomes the £45m investment in the iconic venue.

Sheffield Theatres has announced a major capital development project at the Crucible Theatre, which will enable the auditorium capacity to increase by 50% when required and allow it to present productions fully in the round.

This will support the theatre’s future as the UK’s largest producing theatre complex and underpins the agreement for the World Snooker Championship to remain in Sheffield. Works are anticipated to begin in summer 2028.

The project is expected to cost a total of £45m, including combined £35m investment from national government and Sheffield City Council, alongside a further £10m from private sector and philanthropic partners.

Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust says “This is positive news for the city, the region and the wider theatre ecosystem. The £35m investment from the national government and Sheffield City Council is major vote of confidence for the importance of theatres as civic spaces to be enjoyed by everyone. Theatres Trust particularly welcomes Sheffield City Council’s commitment to invest in cultural infrastructure, which comes at a time when many local authorities are cutting back on their funding in this area.”