Earl reopens Crucible Theatre following £15m refurbishment

Staff from Sheffield's Crucible Theatre and onlookers gathered as the Earl arrived and was taken on an exclusive tour by artistic director Daniel Evans.

Sir Anthony Sher, who is currently starring in Ibsen's An Enemy of the People at the Crucible, also accompanied the Earl to talk about the changes which had taken place. They saw the completely refurbished auditorium which has a new stage and seating, new front of house areas and upgraded dressing rooms.

Dan Bates, chief executive of Sheffield Theatres, said: "The reopening of the Crucible is major boost for the city and the region. We were absolutely delighted to have the Earl of Wessex with us to celebrate.

"Now it is open, the theatre will once again be of huge benefit to the public, with an excellent set of new facilities and a new programme of dynamic and exciting work."

Earlier, the Earl visited workers at Chesterfield Cylinders in Meadowhall before touring the Sheffield Digital Campus and attending a lunch at Sheffield Town Hall. He also officially opened the new centre for the Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind in the city's Mappin Street.

Fundraiser Sue Coggin said: "His Royal Highness took a keen interest in the activities, visiting the new computer training room, taking refreshments with the deafblind activities group and viewing all the specialist equipment available."

Tickets for the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre from Saturday from April 17 go on sale tomorrow. The box office opens at 9.30am and can be contacted on 0114 2496006.