A playful and imaginative evening with the world’s leading viol consort
After more than a decade away from the city, the celebrated Fretwork return to Sheffield with Take Five, a richly inventive programme performed at the Playhouse.

For nearly 40 years, Fretwork have been recognised as the world’s leading viol consort, renowned for combining deep scholarship with curiosity, humour, and bold musical imagination. This concert offers a rare chance to hear them up close in an intimate setting.
The programme
Take Five weaves together Renaissance masterworks, Baroque elegance, modern classics, and unexpected contemporary arrangements — all centred around music written in five parts or reimagined for the viol consort.

Highlights include:
Johann Sebastian Bach – Pièce d’Orgue, BWV 572
Orlando Gibbons – Two In Nomines in five parts
Claude Debussy – La fille aux cheveux de lin
Henry Purcell – Fantazia Upon One Note
Works by William Byrd, Thomas Weelkes, John Taverner and Christopher Tye
Arvo Pärt – Fratres
A striking contemporary arrangement of Running Up That Hill, arranged by one of Britain’s leading modern composers
The result is a concert that moves effortlessly from early music to the present day — thoughtful, surprising, and deeply engaging.
Why this concert stands out
A rare Sheffield appearance by an internationally renowned ensemble
A programme blending historic viol repertoire with bold modern arrangements
An intimate Playhouse setting that brings audiences close to the music
Booking offers
This concert is part of the Music in the Round Sheffield series:
Save 20% when booking 10 or more concerts in one transaction
Save 10% when booking 5 or more concerts in one transaction

🎟 Tickets & full details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/fretwork-take-five

Event details

it’s back, and it’s more dazzling than ever as Strictly Come Dancing Live 2026 waltzes into Sheffield for two spectacular arena shows.

The hugely popular live tour brings all the magic of the hit BBC series to the stage, featuring show-stopping routines, stunning group numbers and sensational live music from the iconic Strictly band and singers. It’s a glittering celebration of ballroom and Latin dance, packed with energy, colour and feel-good entertainment.
What to Expect
Across both performances, audiences can enjoy:
World-class choreography performed live
Dazzling costumes and dramatic production
Live music throughout the show
Audience voting to decide who wins the Glitterball Trophy
The judging panel features Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood, delivering their trademark commentary and scores, with Janette Manrara returning as host to guide the audience through every glittering moment.
Confirmed Cast (Subject to Change)
The 2026 tour includes a sensational line-up of celebrity and professional dancers:
La Voix & Aljaž Škorjanec
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey & Karen Hauer
Vicky Pattison & Kai Widdrington
Ellie Goldstein & Vito Coppola
George Clarke & Alexis Warr
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink & Lauren Oakley
Layton Williams & Nikita Kuzmin (Special Guest)
They are joined by professional dancers Jake Leigh, Julian Caillon, Neil Jones, Nancy Xu, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk.

Each Sheffield performance includes British Sign Language interpretation, displayed on large screens on either side of the stage, allowing audiences to sit anywhere in the arena and enjoy the experience together.

A joyful, high-energy celebration of dance, music and pure Strictly sparkle — the perfect way to kick off 2026.
Tickets & Details
Tickets and full event details are available via the official venue page:
https://www.utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk/scd-live-2026/

Event details