My first visit to The Crucible, in the early 70s, was to see “The Stirrings in Sheffield on a Saturday Night”
Along with three of my brothers, we were primarily interested in supporting an old school friend who was in the cast.
As it was my very first theatre outing, Jimmy Clitheroe in “Aladdin” notwithstanding, I didn’t know quite what to expect, but was mesmerised by chorus members sitting alongside the audience and coming down (and up) the steps onto the stage, singing and waving tankards. The story was a nostalgic look at the city in the late Victorian era (I think) set to some very fine songs. I can recall the “drunk guy on Hereford St” monologue and even remember a few of the jokes. A truly wonderful performance.
In the years since I’ve been a regular attendee of many of the plays and musicals, and have been lucky enough to witness snooker sessions on no less than six occasions, walking in off the street to see a quarter final in 1978 (Perry Mans and Fred Davis) to booking a whole year in advance to watch a Judd Trump final.
It’s a beautiful theatre and we are very lucky indeed to have it a threepenny bus ride away.
I've always loved going to the Crucible but to learn how much of it was the intention of visionary talents - the theatrical entrance and all - and the ambition of the Council to build it despite the naysayers... such an eye opener. Fantastic article, thanks :)
If you read the book you'll find the established Sheffield print media wasn't unanimously opposed to the Crucible's design. And Olivier, I think, was simply roped in by Miles as a few years later I was there when he opened the Royal Exchange in Manchester which is in the round.
My first visit to The Crucible, in the early 70s, was to see “The Stirrings in Sheffield on a Saturday Night”
Along with three of my brothers, we were primarily interested in supporting an old school friend who was in the cast.
As it was my very first theatre outing, Jimmy Clitheroe in “Aladdin” notwithstanding, I didn’t know quite what to expect, but was mesmerised by chorus members sitting alongside the audience and coming down (and up) the steps onto the stage, singing and waving tankards. The story was a nostalgic look at the city in the late Victorian era (I think) set to some very fine songs. I can recall the “drunk guy on Hereford St” monologue and even remember a few of the jokes. A truly wonderful performance.
In the years since I’ve been a regular attendee of many of the plays and musicals, and have been lucky enough to witness snooker sessions on no less than six occasions, walking in off the street to see a quarter final in 1978 (Perry Mans and Fred Davis) to booking a whole year in advance to watch a Judd Trump final.
It’s a beautiful theatre and we are very lucky indeed to have it a threepenny bus ride away.
Good article and another bit of the Sheffield story i didn't know. Will look at the Crucible witj new eyes next time
I love The Crucible. Thanks for this interesting insight into its beginnings.
I've always loved going to the Crucible but to learn how much of it was the intention of visionary talents - the theatrical entrance and all - and the ambition of the Council to build it despite the naysayers... such an eye opener. Fantastic article, thanks :)
If you read the book you'll find the established Sheffield print media wasn't unanimously opposed to the Crucible's design. And Olivier, I think, was simply roped in by Miles as a few years later I was there when he opened the Royal Exchange in Manchester which is in the round.