Sheffield Theatres stages a Shakespeare double bill at the Crucible this autumn

Autumn in Sheffield means a trip to the theatre for many, and this year Sheffield Theatres has given audiences a real treat: a Shakespeare double bill on the Crucible stage, with one company of actors performing both plays.

Ian McDiarmid led King Lear, directed by Titas Halder and presented in association with MGC, from 29 August to 19 September 2026. Now it is the turn of comedy, with Mathew Horne starring in Twelfth Night, directed by Jamie Glover, which runs until 31 October.

The double bill opens a 2026/27 season announced by Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman and Chief Executive Tom Bird. "We're championing Sheffield artists next to global voices," said Newman, while Bird added: "We can't wait to welcome audiences from across our region and beyond to enjoy these wonderful shows."

Next up at the Crucible is a festive Singin' in the Rain, from 26 November 2026 to 16 January 2027, directed by Olivier Award-winner Jonathan Church on his return to Sheffield Theatres. The season also features a string of world premieres, including an adaptation of Sunjeev Sahota's novel The Year of the Runaways and Never Look Back by John Rwothomack. Sapling by Georgina Duncan, winner of the Women's Prize for Playwriting 2025, will be co-produced with Paines Plough, with dates to be announced.

There is also Open Works, a new two-week autumn festival celebrating artists from South Yorkshire and beyond, which Sheffield Theatres describes as a first of its kind for the company.

Sheffield Theatres was formed in 1971 and is described as the largest regional theatre complex outside London. Its venues are the Crucible, the Lyceum, the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse and, since January 2025, the Montgomery Theatre. Over the years it has launched hits such as Everybody's Talking About Jamie, which began at the Crucible in 2017, and Standing at the Sky's Edge.

Over at the Lyceum, the visiting programme includes the start of the 30th anniversary UK tour of The Full Monty in January 2027, alongside Mrs Doubtfire, Blood Brothers and a brand-new production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

With Shakespeare, musicals and new writing side by side, there has rarely been a better time to book a seat.

Tickets and full listings for the season are available on the Sheffield Theatres website.