Crucible Theatre

The refurbishment of the Crucible Theatre in the late 2000s, was split into phases, allowing the theatre to continue to present the World Snooker Championships. Working in collaboration with architects, Burrell Foley Fischer, Theatreplan provided specialist theatre planning and technical design expertise through all phases of the refurbishment project.

Hosting the snooker championships means that the stage needs to be dismantled every year to accommodate play. Prior to the refurbishment, this requirement had led to a deterioration of the stage structure. Designed by Clive Odom, a completely new thrust stage was created which looks exactly the same as the original, using a Steeldeck® system for ease of use and durability.  

Theatreplan also installed a new electric hoist system to replace the old double purchase counterweights, upgraded the lighting systems and installed new sound infrastructure and communication systems. Access improvements included ten new wheelchair spaces integrated within the seating of the main auditorium, new handrails, a lift serving all levels and a new ramp into the bar area. New seats with higher backs were installed to provide more comfortable seating, whilst dressing rooms were added and upgraded, along with a new Green Room and Stage Door, making the building a more welcoming place for performers, players and staff. 

Further development included fitting a new roof, reinforcing building foundations, new external cladding, glazing and redevelopment of the front of house areas, and the new energy efficient ‘twinkle’ lights, enhance one of the UK’s most stunning theatrical spaces.  

Photographs by Burrell Foley Fischer and Theatreplan