The Crucible Theatre, located in the city centre of Sheffield, England is a Grade II listed building, and known for being a producing theatre, meaning shows are designed and rehearsed in-house. These productions are normally overseen by the Sheffield Theatres Group. The Adelphi Hotel was originally on the site of The Crucible and was significant for a meeting on the 23rd of March 1889, which saw the formation of Sheffield United F.C. Sheffield F.C. and Sheffield Wednesday both formed here as well.
It was designed in 1971 by Tanya Moiseiwitsch and its main venue is known for its thrust stage. It has a 980 seat auditorium. The building also contains the 400-seat Crucible Studio Theatre Sheffield venue.
As well as theatrical performances, it is home to the most important event in professional snooker, the World Snooker Championship. The tournament has been played annually in the Crucible since 1977. It has also hosted championships of other indoor sports, such as table tennis and squash.
The theatre's current artistic director, along with the neighbouring Lyceum Theatre, is Samuel West.
The Crucible will be closed for refurbishment between January 2008 and May 2009.
