Coronavirus: Sheffield Theatres explores plans to stage Shakespeare outdoors

Sheffield Theatres has announced plans to stage Shakespeare in outdoor spaces around the city while its venues remain closed.

All performances in the Crucible, Lyceum and studio theatres have been cancelled until at least the end of July, however there are hopes that performance can be staged in Sheffield’s green spaces later in the year.

The theatre is working with Sheffield City Council to organise the plans, which will be subject to government advice and only take place if audiences and performers can gather outside safely.

Robert Hastie, the theatre’s artistic director, said: "We want to offer the city some joy and find a safe way to bring people together to experience live performance again. The last few weeks have reminded all of us here that the theatre is what we do, not just the building where we usually do it.

"As long as we can make sure that everyone involved is safe, we can still be creative and make some great theatre happen for audiences around the city. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you."

Further information will follow when government advice on outdoor gatherings is available.