Elizabeth Newman begins her tenure as Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres with a new production of Dancing at Lughnasa, opening this month at the Crucible Theatre.
Directed by Newman herself, Brian Friel’s multi-award-winning drama explores memory, reflection, and the unstoppable march of time. The production runs from Saturday 13 September to Saturday 4 October 2025, with a press performance on Thursday 18 September.
This co-production with the Royal Exchange Theatre will transfer to Manchester following its Sheffield run.
The 2025–26 season, announced earlier this year, features nine new productions across the Crucible and Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse. It includes four revivals and five UK premieres, ranging from a musical adaptation of a 1960s classic to a reimagining of Macbeth set in 19th-century Yorubaland.
Elizabeth Newman joined Sheffield Theatres from Pitlochry Festival Theatre, having previously worked with Octagon Theatre Bolton, Shared Property Theatre Company, and Southwark Playhouse. She has been recognised for her leadership and social impact, including awards such as Bolton’s Woman of the Year and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bolton.
Highlights of the season include:
- Consumed by Karis Kelly, winner of the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, directed by Katie Posner. It runs from 24 September to 11 October 2025.
- A Christmas Carol, adapted by Aisha Khan and directed by Elin Schofield, featuring Sheffield carols. It runs from 29 November 2025 to 10 January 2026.
- Crown of Blood – A Yoruba Adaptation of Macbeth, written by Oladipo Agboluaje and directed by Mojisola Kareem. It runs from 2 to 7 February 2026.
- My Brother’s A Genius by Debris Stevenson, presented with Theatre Centre and National Youth Theatre. It runs from 28 January to 14 February 2026.
- The Ladies Football Club by Stefano Massini, adapted by Tim Firth and directed by Elizabeth Newman. It runs from 28 February to 28 March 2026.
- Living by Leo Butler, directed by Abigail Graham. It runs from 14 March to 4 April 2026.
- Summer Holiday, adapted from the 1960s film and directed by Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti. It runs from 20 June to 18 July 2026.
- The Year of the Runaways, adapted by Stephanie Street from Sunjeev Sahota’s novel, will premiere in 2027.
Alongside the productions, Sheffield Theatres will host participatory events in Tudor Square, including the Lughnasa Dance Festival, the Sheffield Theatres Beach, a Candlelit Carol Concert, and a Theatre Football Tournament.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
