Crucible Theatre Crucible Theatre The Crucible Theatre (often referred to simply as "The Crucible") is a theatre in the city centre of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England which opened in 1971, As well as theatrical performances, it hosts the most prestigious event in professional snooker, the World Championship. The theatre was refurbished between 2007 and late 2009 and officially reopened 18 February 2010. The Crucible Theatre was built by M J Gleeson and opened in 1971, replacing the Playhouse Repertory theatre in Townhead Street. In 1967 Colin George, the founding Artistic Director of the Crucible, recommended a thrust stage for Sheffield, inspired by
Norfolk Street, Strand in 1678. The Norfolk Street tube station was planned for the street in 1902, but never built. Norfolk Street and Howard Street were demolished in the 1970s in order to build Arundel Great Court which was itself sold for redevelopment in 2012. Amberley House, office of the Ecclesiastical Association, was at numbers 11 to 12 on the south-west corner with Norfolk Street. Hastings House at number 10 had literary connections, being home to the Women Writers' Club from 1894, and the place from which the early literary agent A. P. Watt (1834–1914) practised. The Middle Classes Defence Organization was also