About the Venue
The Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse is Sheffield’s most intimate and flexible theatre space, designed for bold, imaginative and up-close performances. Located within the Crucible Theatre building on Norfolk Street, this studio theatre is part of the Sheffield Theatres complex and is known for championing new writing, experimental work and Sheffield-made productions. Formerly known as the Studio Theatre, the Playhouse can be reconfigured for each show, creating a unique experience every time you visit.
With seating that flexes from around 100 to 400, the Playhouse offers an immersive atmosphere where audiences are close to the performers and the action. Renamed in 2022 in honour of pioneering theatre designer Tanya Moiseiwitsch, the venue continues her legacy of innovative, audience-focused theatre design. From fringe favourites and local talent to exciting new discoveries, the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse is a vital space for creative risk-taking at the heart of Sheffield’s theatre scene.
Key details
Opened: 1971 (rebuilt 1994)
Capacity: Up to 400 (flexible layouts)
Type: Studio theatre
Owner/Operator: Sheffield Theatres
Website: sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Compact but endlessly adaptable, the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse is a must-list venue for innovative live performance in Sheffield.
Upcoming Events
What is Take Flight?
Take Flight is a beautiful, gentle aerial theatre experience for babies aged 0–2 and their grown-ups, presented by Rebel Sparks at the Playhouse.
Created especially for very young audiences, the show follows a musical mother bird as her baby hatches, grows and explores the world — navigating hunger, sleep and play — before reaching a tender, uplifting moment where the baby is supported to leave the nest and take flight.
What makes this show special for babies?
This is a multi-sensory and interactive performance, designed to ignite curiosity and imagination in the earliest stages of life. After the show, babies are invited into the performance space to:
Explore a baby-safe set and props
Interact with performers
Experience gentle movement, including a supervised swing in the aerial silks
The experience is calm, immersive and carefully paced to suit very young attention spans.
Is it designed with child development in mind?
Yes. Take Flight was developed in collaboration with Valentina Sclafani, a development psychologist from University of Lincoln, to ensure the content:
Supports early neurological and motor skill development
Encourages bonding between babies and their grown-ups
Creates a positive, reassuring first theatre experience
What have audiences said?
Parents and carers have praised the show for holding babies’ attention and creating a shared, emotional experience:
Who is this event for?
This performance is ideal for:
Babies aged 0–2
Parents, carers and grandparents
First-time theatre-goers
Families looking for calm, enriching things to do in Sheffield during the day
🎟 Tickets and full event details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/take-flight
Take Flight is a beautiful, gentle aerial theatre experience for babies aged 0–2 and their grown-ups, presented by Rebel Sparks at the Playhouse.
Created especially for very young audiences, the show follows a musical mother bird as her baby hatches, grows and explores the world — navigating hunger, sleep and play — before reaching a tender, uplifting moment where the baby is supported to leave the nest and take flight.
What makes this show special for babies?
This is a multi-sensory and interactive performance, designed to ignite curiosity and imagination in the earliest stages of life. After the show, babies are invited into the performance space to:
Explore a baby-safe set and props
Interact with performers
Experience gentle movement, including a supervised swing in the aerial silks
The experience is calm, immersive and carefully paced to suit very young attention spans.
Is it designed with child development in mind?
Yes. Take Flight was developed in collaboration with Valentina Sclafani, a development psychologist from University of Lincoln, to ensure the content:
Supports early neurological and motor skill development
Encourages bonding between babies and their grown-ups
Creates a positive, reassuring first theatre experience
What have audiences said?
Parents and carers have praised the show for holding babies’ attention and creating a shared, emotional experience:
Who is this event for?
This performance is ideal for:
Babies aged 0–2
Parents, carers and grandparents
First-time theatre-goers
Families looking for calm, enriching things to do in Sheffield during the day
🎟 Tickets and full event details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/take-flight
What is The Story Shed?
The Story Shed is a lively, family-friendly storytelling show presented by Crossed Wires, bringing stories, imagination and play to the Playhouse in Sheffield.
Led by Jake, audiences are invited to step inside the Story Shed — creeeaaaak! — where anything can happen and stories spill out in every direction.
What can families expect?
This interactive show is packed with:
Favourite stories from the podcast
Brand-new stories created just for the stage
Interactive moments where children can join in
Games, laughter and plenty of surprises
Designed to keep young audiences engaged, the show balances listening, participation and playful energy throughout.
Why is this show great for children?
The Story Shed encourages imagination, creativity and a love of storytelling in a relaxed, welcoming environment. It’s ideal for children who enjoy being part of the action — whether that’s shouting out ideas, joining in with games, or simply getting swept up in the stories.
Who is this event for?
This event is perfect for:
Children aged 4+
Families and carers
Fans of podcasts and storytelling
Anyone looking for relaxed, creative things to do in Sheffield for children
🎟 Tickets and full event details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-presents-the-story-shed
The Story Shed is a lively, family-friendly storytelling show presented by Crossed Wires, bringing stories, imagination and play to the Playhouse in Sheffield.
Led by Jake, audiences are invited to step inside the Story Shed — creeeaaaak! — where anything can happen and stories spill out in every direction.
What can families expect?
This interactive show is packed with:
Favourite stories from the podcast
Brand-new stories created just for the stage
Interactive moments where children can join in
Games, laughter and plenty of surprises
Designed to keep young audiences engaged, the show balances listening, participation and playful energy throughout.
Why is this show great for children?
The Story Shed encourages imagination, creativity and a love of storytelling in a relaxed, welcoming environment. It’s ideal for children who enjoy being part of the action — whether that’s shouting out ideas, joining in with games, or simply getting swept up in the stories.
Who is this event for?
This event is perfect for:
Children aged 4+
Families and carers
Fans of podcasts and storytelling
Anyone looking for relaxed, creative things to do in Sheffield for children
🎟 Tickets and full event details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-presents-the-story-shed
What is If I Speak?
If I Speak is a live discussion and comedy-inflected talk show presented by Crossed Wires, bringing two of the UK’s sharpest young journalists to the Playhouse in Sheffield.
The show blends political insight with personal reflection, as the hosts unpack modern life, big ideas, and the frustrations many people feel but rarely get the chance to say out loud.
Who is on stage?
The event is hosted by:
Ash Sarkar
Moya Lothian-McLean
Known for their incisive analysis and engaging chemistry, the pair explore where the personal meets the political — with honesty, humour and sharp intelligence.
What will they talk about?
Audiences can expect:
Big theories about politics, culture and society
Honest discussion of modern pressures and contradictions
Reflections on work, identity and public life
An interactive element where audience dilemmas are discussed live
The tone is thoughtful but accessible, balancing serious ideas with wit and relatability.
Why is this event worth seeing?
If I Speak offers something different from a traditional talk or lecture. It’s conversational, responsive to the audience, and rooted in real experiences — making complex political and social ideas feel immediate and human.
Who is this event for?
This event will appeal to:
Podcast and live-talk fans
People interested in politics, media and culture
Audiences who enjoy smart, discussion-led events
Anyone looking for thought-provoking things to do in Sheffield
(Suitable for ages 16+)
🎟 Tickets and full event details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-present-if-i-speak
If I Speak is a live discussion and comedy-inflected talk show presented by Crossed Wires, bringing two of the UK’s sharpest young journalists to the Playhouse in Sheffield.
The show blends political insight with personal reflection, as the hosts unpack modern life, big ideas, and the frustrations many people feel but rarely get the chance to say out loud.
Who is on stage?
The event is hosted by:
Ash Sarkar
Moya Lothian-McLean
Known for their incisive analysis and engaging chemistry, the pair explore where the personal meets the political — with honesty, humour and sharp intelligence.
What will they talk about?
Audiences can expect:
Big theories about politics, culture and society
Honest discussion of modern pressures and contradictions
Reflections on work, identity and public life
An interactive element where audience dilemmas are discussed live
The tone is thoughtful but accessible, balancing serious ideas with wit and relatability.
Why is this event worth seeing?
If I Speak offers something different from a traditional talk or lecture. It’s conversational, responsive to the audience, and rooted in real experiences — making complex political and social ideas feel immediate and human.
Who is this event for?
This event will appeal to:
Podcast and live-talk fans
People interested in politics, media and culture
Audiences who enjoy smart, discussion-led events
Anyone looking for thought-provoking things to do in Sheffield
(Suitable for ages 16+)
🎟 Tickets and full event details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-present-if-i-speak
What is Northern News?
Northern News is a live comedy podcast recording presented by Crossed Wires, bringing sharp stand-up, surreal headlines and proudly Northern chaos to the Playhouse in Sheffield.
Hosted by comedians Ian Smith and Amy Gledhill, this special live edition sees the pair bring their hit podcast up north— where it belongs.
Who are the hosts?
Ian Smith is a double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and has appeared on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and The News Quiz.
Amy Gledhill is an Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, known for Last One Laughing UK, Late Night Mash and The Jonathan Ross Show.
Both are Northerners now living in London — and deeply suspicious that they’re missing out on the best local stories back home.
What can audiences expect?
Ian and Amy dive headfirst into the local newspapers of the North to uncover the stories you didn’t know you needed to know, including:
Bizarre local scandals
Glorious small-town drama
Peculiar community legends
News stories that are funny, creepy or just baffling
From competitive gravy wrestling to runaway pigs and inexplicable civic behaviour, Northern News celebrates the wonderfully strange side of life up north.
Why is this show worth seeing?
This is fast, funny, unscripted comedy rooted in real Northern life. The show blends podcast energy with live stand-up timing, making it feel spontaneous, chaotic and sharply observed — especially for audiences who recognise the places and people being discussed.
Who is this event for?
This event will appeal to:
Comedy and podcast fans
Audiences who enjoy topical, absurd humour
People with Northern roots (or curiosity)
Anyone looking for smart, funny things to do in Sheffield
(Suitable for ages 14+)
🎟 Tickets and full event details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-presents-northern-news-with-ian-smith-and-amy-gledhill
Northern News is a live comedy podcast recording presented by Crossed Wires, bringing sharp stand-up, surreal headlines and proudly Northern chaos to the Playhouse in Sheffield.
Hosted by comedians Ian Smith and Amy Gledhill, this special live edition sees the pair bring their hit podcast up north— where it belongs.
Who are the hosts?
Ian Smith is a double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and has appeared on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and The News Quiz.
Amy Gledhill is an Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, known for Last One Laughing UK, Late Night Mash and The Jonathan Ross Show.
Both are Northerners now living in London — and deeply suspicious that they’re missing out on the best local stories back home.
What can audiences expect?
Ian and Amy dive headfirst into the local newspapers of the North to uncover the stories you didn’t know you needed to know, including:
Bizarre local scandals
Glorious small-town drama
Peculiar community legends
News stories that are funny, creepy or just baffling
From competitive gravy wrestling to runaway pigs and inexplicable civic behaviour, Northern News celebrates the wonderfully strange side of life up north.
Why is this show worth seeing?
This is fast, funny, unscripted comedy rooted in real Northern life. The show blends podcast energy with live stand-up timing, making it feel spontaneous, chaotic and sharply observed — especially for audiences who recognise the places and people being discussed.
Who is this event for?
This event will appeal to:
Comedy and podcast fans
Audiences who enjoy topical, absurd humour
People with Northern roots (or curiosity)
Anyone looking for smart, funny things to do in Sheffield
(Suitable for ages 14+)
🎟 Tickets and full event details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-presents-northern-news-with-ian-smith-and-amy-gledhill
What is Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club?
Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club is a warm, funny and welcoming live podcast recording presented by Crossed Wires, coming to Sheffield as part of the Crossed Wires Festival.
Hosted by comedians and authors Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd, the show creates a space where outsiders, introverts and the gloriously odd can feel accepted, understood and celebrated.
What happens in the show?
Each episode centres around a book that is:
Special
Stimulating
And, in their words… weird
You don’t need to have read the book to enjoy the show. The focus is on conversation, connection and curiosity — with humour, honesty and plenty of warmth throughout.
Who are the hosts?
Sara Pascoe is known for Out of Her Mind, Taskmaster, The Great British Sewing Bee, Comedians Giving Lectures and Guessable.
Cariad Lloyd is the creator of Griefcast and has appeared in Austentatious, Alan Partridge, Peep Show and QI.
Together, they bring empathy, sharp wit and lived experience to discussions about books, creativity and feeling out of place.
What kind of guests does the show attract?
Previous episodes of Weirdos Book Club have featured guests including:
Naomi Klein, Graham Norton, David Nicholls, Nish Kumar, Marian Keyes, Aisling Bea, Ian Rankin, Harriet Walter, Yomi Adegoke, Annie Macmanus and Tim Key — reflecting the show’s broad cultural reach.
Why is this event special?
This live edition is about more than books. It’s about belonging, vulnerability and finding comfort in stories — whether you’re an avid reader or someone who’s just looking for thoughtful conversation and a few laughs.
Who is this event for?
This event will appeal to:
Podcast fans
Comedy and book lovers
Audiences who enjoy reflective, inclusive discussions
Anyone looking for meaningful, funny things to do in Sheffield
(Suitable for ages 14+)
🎟 Tickets and full event details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-presents-sara-cariads-weirdos-book-club
Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club is a warm, funny and welcoming live podcast recording presented by Crossed Wires, coming to Sheffield as part of the Crossed Wires Festival.
Hosted by comedians and authors Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd, the show creates a space where outsiders, introverts and the gloriously odd can feel accepted, understood and celebrated.
What happens in the show?
Each episode centres around a book that is:
Special
Stimulating
And, in their words… weird
You don’t need to have read the book to enjoy the show. The focus is on conversation, connection and curiosity — with humour, honesty and plenty of warmth throughout.
Who are the hosts?
Sara Pascoe is known for Out of Her Mind, Taskmaster, The Great British Sewing Bee, Comedians Giving Lectures and Guessable.
Cariad Lloyd is the creator of Griefcast and has appeared in Austentatious, Alan Partridge, Peep Show and QI.
Together, they bring empathy, sharp wit and lived experience to discussions about books, creativity and feeling out of place.
What kind of guests does the show attract?
Previous episodes of Weirdos Book Club have featured guests including:
Naomi Klein, Graham Norton, David Nicholls, Nish Kumar, Marian Keyes, Aisling Bea, Ian Rankin, Harriet Walter, Yomi Adegoke, Annie Macmanus and Tim Key — reflecting the show’s broad cultural reach.
Why is this event special?
This live edition is about more than books. It’s about belonging, vulnerability and finding comfort in stories — whether you’re an avid reader or someone who’s just looking for thoughtful conversation and a few laughs.
Who is this event for?
This event will appeal to:
Podcast fans
Comedy and book lovers
Audiences who enjoy reflective, inclusive discussions
Anyone looking for meaningful, funny things to do in Sheffield
(Suitable for ages 14+)
🎟 Tickets and full event details:
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-presents-sara-cariads-weirdos-book-club