Deal secures future of stage
legacy from student games

A THEATRE which was saved from the bulldozers 25 years ago has seen its future secured until 2048 after the trust which owns it signed a new lease with its current operator.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Apr 2013, 00:11 BST

Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre was completely dilapidated in 1985, staged its last show in 1968 and finally closed 11 years later after being converted into a bingo hall. It was rescued by the Lyceum Theatre Trust, and £12m was raised for its restoration as part of Sheffield’s efforts for the World Student Games in 1991. Since reopening in December 1990, it has been run by Sheffield Theatres, which is also responsible for the world-famous Crucible, and the new 35-year lease will continue the relationship.

Announcing the deal yesterday, David Heugh, a founder and chairman of the Lyceum Theatre Trust, said: ‘This is a historic day for the life of the Lyceum Theatre as we have secured the future and fabric of the theatre for the next 35 years.”

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The Lyceum is the major success story of the ill-fated World Student Games. Another venue built for the event, Don Valley Stadium, is set for closure and demolition later this year as a result of local government cuts. Neil MacDonald, Sheffield’s Master Cutler and vice-chairman of Sheffield Theatres, added The Lyceum is a “vital element” of the city’s cultural scene.

Related topics:TheatreSheffield TheatresSheffield