Sheffield’s Montgomery Theatre & Arts Centre has officially reopened, after more than a year of closure due to capital redevelopment works. The independent theatre, which platforms children’s theatre and dance productions, houses local community group meetings and stages a range of productions from tribute bands to pantomimes, has reopened its doors to the community with the Off The Shelf Festival event Jackie Kay – May Day.
In an announcement on social media on the morning of their reopening, the theatre thanked “partners, funders, regular users and audiences for [their] patience and understanding during this period. We kindly ask that you continue to bear with us over the next few weeks whilst we finish off the final touches between events.”
“However, we couldn’t be more thrilled to finally welcome you through out new glass doors and we hope you’ll agree, it’s already looking pretty special […] From everyone at Team Montgomery we thank you and hope you enjoy your NEW Montgomery Theatre & Arts Centre”. Accompanying their announcement, the theatre released several images documenting the changes the venue has seen, including both the entrance hall and the main auditorium.
The Montgomery Theatre and Arts Centre was first established in 1886 as a meeting place for the Sheffield Sunday Schools Union. Having survived the Blitz during the Second World War, and a fire in the building which forced its closure for two years until 1973, the theatre has become a centre for independent artists, local groups and touring shows, giving a voice to many who often struggle to access the performing arts. It is also a rehearsal space for many community groups, including the Carney Academy of Dance and SBC Theatre, as well as providing flexible employment for many within our city, including a contingent of University of Sheffield students.
Having secured funding towards the end of the 2022/23 academic year, the theatre closed its doors for redevelopment in July 2023, and faced significant challenges during its closure, including several delays, which saw scheduled productions postponed until later in the year or into 2025. However, the theatre and community stepped up during this period, with the Montgomery itself platforming productions in other venues, including local parks, as well as working with Sheffield Theatres to enable core functioning to continue despite the closure period.
The announcement of the Montgomery’s reopening is a welcome development in the rich and varied history of performing and creative arts in the city of Sheffield. Having been closed for such a significant period, the venue’s return has received positive reception from across Sheffield and beyond, with many excited to return to the venue to see the redevelopments for themselves. As the theatre returns to full operation once more, the creative arts scene of our city has regained a key element of its identity, ready to provide for the local community once more.
The Montgomery Theatre & Arts Centre reopened on October 24th
