The Merlin Theatre

Merlin Theatre

After reopening in October 2015, post-2011 flooding, the Merlin Theatre is firmly on its path back to being considered ‘one of the finest small theatres in England’. Seating an admirable 204 people the Merlin was originally built in 1969. It is run jointly by Freeman College and Brantwood Specialist School in Sheffield, who both play a heavy part in the Ruskin Mill Trust; a UK wide charity specialising in educational and residential care for young people with learning disabilities and difficulties.

This compassionate core inspires a heavy community conscience, and the Merlin plays an essential part in many Sheffield based drama, dance and music groups, providing them a place to practice and perform. They offer an environment to be creative to community, youth groups and diversity projects. There are infinite opportunities to get involved in, with the theatres year round programmes including; ‘a mixed ability children’s and youth theatre; diverse and mixed ability arts from around the world; conferences and festivals in key areas of arts, wellbeing and ecology; and even an international theatre Summer school.’