Sheffield Theatres CEO joins 'Cultural Cities' this May

Image: Tom Bird of Sheffield Theatres - courtesy of Chris Saunders

Future Cities Forum is delighted that Tom Bird, Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres will be contributing to our 'Cultural Cities' event at The Tower of London this month. Before joining Sheffield Theatres in 2023 Tom was CEO at York Theatre Royal and before that he was an executive producer at Shakespeare's Globe for ten years.

Plans for a £45m investment in the redevelopment of Sheffield Theatres’ iconic Crucible Theatre are being developed, supporting its future as the UK’s largest producing theatre complex and underpinning the agreement for the World Snooker Championship to remain in Sheffield.

The proposed transformation of the Grade II listed venue is a once in a generation opportunity to invest in an extraordinary building of global and national significance.

The expansion plans are expected to increase Sheffield Theatres’ Crucible Theatre auditorium capacity by 50% when required and allow it to present productions fully in the round. The transformation, which will allow the theatre to scale up and down in size - changing between the new ‘in the round’ format and returning to the traditional format – will enable the Crucible to serve its arts and sports audiences for decades to come, opening the stage up to new possibilities for production and collaboration.

Works are anticipated to begin in summer 2028.

The project is expected to represent a total investment of £45m, including up to £35m anticipated from national and local government, alongside a further £10m from private sector and philanthropic partners.

Early discussions with potential private sector and philanthropic partners have been supported by a recent visit to Sheffield by the Prime Minister who hosted a roundtable with business and philanthropic stakeholders, recognising the role of Sheffield Theatres as the ‘national theatre of the north’ and encouraging them to support the redevelopment.

These discussions with Government have helped build momentum behind the project, while also creating potential opportunities for further partners to get involved.

This is part of Government restoring pride across communities in Sheffield and across the country by giving local people the power and agency to get involved in projects that matter to them.

The proposals link the Crucible’s future to wider regeneration plans and invite organisations to play a role in the next era of sport and culture in Sheffield. Separate arrangements have been agreed regarding the long-term future of the World Snooker Championship in the city.

Sheffield Theatres runs three buildings and four stages. During the redevelopment period, two of these stages – the Crucible and the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse – are expected to close temporarily while works are carried out.

The construction period is currently anticipated to take around 18 months, during which Sheffield Theatres Productions will be presented in their other two theatres – the Lyceum, the biggest of the four and the Montgomery, the newest addition to the family of theatres. The Lyceum will continue to present exceptional touring productions during this time. As well as creating work in their own city, Sheffield Theatres will present new work around the UK and internationally during this period, more details of which will be announced in autumn 2026.

Sheffield is also celebrating after being named on the longlist to become UK City of Culture 2029 – important recognition of the city’s ambition to showcase its creativity, talent and identity on a national and international stage. Sheffield is one of nine places across the UK to be longlisted. Each area will now receive £60,000 to develop a full bid.

Sheffield City Council says:

'This recognition reinforces what we all know - that Sheffield is one of the UK’s most exciting cultural places and reflects the confidence, momentum and creative energy building across the city. Home to globally influential music, film, art, gaming, major events, performance and a world-class grassroots cultural scene, Sheffield’s bid is rooted in community, creativity and pride of place.

'The longlist announcement coincides with a huge wave of national interest in culture-led transformation, but Sheffield’s submission stands apart – centred on a culture made with and by the people, powered by independence, collaboration and a long history of creativity that starts in its neighbourhoods and reaches across the world. It reflects the ambition to take Sheffield to the world and bring the world to Sheffield.

'Sheffield’s creative sector is one of the fastest growing in the UK. Nearly 25,000 creatives live and work in the city and wider region, contributing over £1bn a year to the economy. Culture is already embedded in the city’s long-term plans for growth, skills, talent and international reputation.

'The longlisting recognises the excellent work already underway in the city, including Harmony Works – the new home for inspirational music education; Events Central – a new Cultural Industries Hub on Fargate; growth planned for the Castlegate heritage quarter; continued investment in Sheffield Museums; and new opportunities linked to the city’s thriving media, music and digital sectors.'