Sheffield City Hall
WHERE
Sheffield
What it’s like
A proper old theatre venue for touring circus and comedy shows, with all the security faff of a big gig night.
This is a venue rather than an attraction with its own show, so what your kids get depends entirely on what's booked in that night. Circus and street performance acts tour through here, along with comedy and other live events, and the age restriction for each one is listed on the individual event page rather than being a blanket rule. Worth actually reading that bit before you commit to tickets if you've got a specific age in mind.
Once you're in, it runs like a proper theatre. No bags bigger than A3 are allowed and there's nowhere to store them at the venue itself, so if you've brought the changing bag you'll want to leave it in the car or drop it at the left luggage spot in the city centre. Cameras, tablets and recording gear are on the banned list too, which is a bit of a shame if you wanted to film the kids' faces at their first big show. Once you're through the doors and scanned in, there's no popping out and back, so do the toilet trip and the snack run first.
The building itself is well set up for accessibility, with a ramp at the front, accessible toilets on every floor and hearing loops in the auditoriums, though the lifts don't stretch to the Memorial Hall balcony. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout. The City Bar does drinks and snacks before the show and in the interval, but it's card only, so leave the cash at home.
Parking is the one genuine downside here. There's nothing on site, so you're looking at the Q Park on Rockingham Street about 500 metres off, which does knock a third off the price if you book it online ahead. Blue Badge holders get spaces on Holly Street but they're first come first served, so don't leave it too late if you need one.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- No on-site parking. Q Park Rockingham Street 500m away, bookable online with 35% discount
- Food
- City Bar serves drinks, cocktails, beer, spirits, wine, hot drinks and snacks
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair accessible with ramp at front entrance, lifts to all floors except Memorial Hall balcony, accessible toilets on every floor
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs welcome in all areas
- Cameras, tablets and recording devices aren't allowed in the auditorium
- You may be searched or wanded on the way in, that's normal security, not a red flag on you
- Book accessible or assistance dog seating in advance by phone
- Card only at the bar, no cash
Plan your visit
Is this suitable for young children?
It depends entirely on what's on. Age restrictions vary show by show and are listed on the individual event page, so check that before you book.
Can we bring a changing bag or backpack?
Nothing bigger than A3 size gets in, and there's no storage at the venue itself. There's a left luggage spot in the city centre at Nalla's convenience on Church Street if you need it.
Is there parking nearby?
No on-site parking, but Q Park on Rockingham Street is about 500 metres away and gives a discount if you book online. Blue Badge spaces on Holly Street are first come first served.
Can we leave and come back in during the show?
Once your ticket's scanned you're in for the duration, there's no readmission if you step out.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
There's a ramp at the front entrance, accessible toilets on every floor and lifts to most levels, though not up to the Memorial Hall balcony. Call ahead to book accessible seating for a wheelchair user and companion.
Can we get food or drinks there?
The City Bar serves drinks and snacks before shows and in the interval, and food is available on selected shows. It's card only, no cash accepted.
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