Sheffield Theatres have announced a new season of socially distanced live shows at the Crucible Theatre this autumn.

Titled The Together Season, the venue reopens for performances next month, kicking off with the world premiere of Oladipo Agboluaje’s Here’s What She Said to Me. Co-produced by Utopia Theatre, the new play (originally slated to open earlier this year) offers a ‘moving and intimate picture of three generations of Nigerian women.’ The piece is directed by Utopia Theatre Artistic Director Mojisola Elufowoju, and runs at the Crucible from 30th October to 14th November.

Next up, Operation Crucible returns to the venue following a sell-out run in the theatre’s studio space in 2016. Penned by Kieran Knowles and directed by Bryony Shanahan, Operation Crucible recounts the night of the Sheffield Blitz, ‘telling a story that captures the strength we find in friendship at times of great adversity.’ This particular revival marks the 80th anniversary of the event. Running from 17th to 28th November, Operation Blitz features design by Sophia Simensky and lighting by Seth Rook Williams.

For two nights only, Far Gone, a one-man play written and performed by John Rwothomack, takes the to the main Crucible stage, having premiered as a scratch-piece in the venue’s Studio Theatre last year. Far Gone is presented on the 3rd and 4th December.

Lastly, Sheffield Crucible celebrates the Christmas season with Damian’s Pop-Up Panto! Fronted by Sheffield legend and resident dame Damian Williams, the panto promises to be a ‘a fun-sized festive treat for the whole family.’ Written and directed by Paul Hendy, Damian’s Pop-Up Panto! performs from 16th December to 3rd January.

The Together Season will feature unifying, cost-effective design by Creative Associates Ben Stones (set) and Lucy Carter (lighting), although each production has its own unique creative team.

Alongside the announcement, Sheffield Theatre’s have also announced that Anthony Lau will join the theatre as Associate Artistic Director; and that the theatre will be inviting local artists to submit work to be performed on the Crucible stage in early 2021.

Artistic Director Robert Hastie said: ““We’ve called this season Together because that’s the feeling we’ve missed most, and the experience that theatre does best. We’ve all been through – and are still going through – a lot. Now, more than ever, the experience of being together feels vital. This season offers a huge welcome back to the Crucible for the audiences, artists and staff we’ve missed so much this last six months. Together is a celebration of theatre, in all its glorious forms, with drama, music, comedy and pantomime all taking to the stage over the coming months.”