Dates

• Existence: 1919 - 1971

Biography

The Sheffield Repertory Company can trace its history back to 1919, when Herbert M. Prentice, the leader of St Philips Dramatic Society, approached the YMCA Oxford Street Settlement on Shipton Street for permission to perform plays in the Little Theatre. Permission was given and the first play ('The Silver Box' starring Rowland C. Moore) took place in November 1919. The production was successful and during 1920, the company advertised their productions and hired a Director. They became 'The Sheffield Repertory Company' and announced an ambitious first season of plays.

In February 1924, the company moved to the South Street Schoolroom, Eldon Street. Funds were raised for alterations and a stage. During this period, the company almost folded but was rescued by a two-year grant of £500 per annum provided by the Carnegie Trust. In 1928 the company moved to The Victorian Comrades (Temperance Hall) on Townhead Street. The building was then named Sheffield Repertory Theatre.

In February 1938, the name was changed to The Playhouse. Geoffrey Ost, formerly of the Buxton Opera House, was appointed producer from April 1938 and became resident director for 26 years.

During the Second World War, the company moved to Southport, Lancashire when the compulsory closure of city theatres was enforced owing to bombing threats. The Theatre was let out to the Brightside and Carbrook Co-operative for storage. The Playhouse reopened in 1945.

By 1951 the company was flourishing and decided on a building reconstruction. Robert Cawkwell produced plans but the costs were too high. However, shortly after the ceiling was declared unsafe and the theatre company's licence was not renewed. The theatre closed in 1953 and the company transferred to the Library Theatre, Norfolk Street. A grant was made from the Arts Council and the Sheffield Town Trustees to enable the rebuilding of the theatre in 1953.

In 1965 Colin George took over as Director. In 1966 'The Stirrings in Sheffield on a Saturday Night' was presented, based on the Sheffield Outrages of the 1860s. The final production at Townhead Street was 'Britannia's Boys' in May 1971. The Playhouse closed in June 1971 and was sold in 1973. The company moved to the newly-built Crucible Theatre in Tudor Square. The proceeds of the sale of The Playhouse contributed to the Crucible's building costs.

Information taken from Sheffield City Archives catalogue for The Sheffield Repertory Company and Crucible Theatre Archive.

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