Rock ~ Paper ~ Scissors - Sheffield Crucible/Studio/Lyceum

[BurlyBeaR]

Three theatres, three plays, ONE cast – all at the same time!

In this theatrical first, the same cast perform in the Crucible, Lyceum and Studio simultaneously. Dashing between scenes, when a character exits one stage, they arrive on another. Individual, and interwoven, you can enjoy each on their own. But see them all and be part of the biggest theatre event of the year.

When the owner of Sheffield’s oldest scissor manufacturers dies, three generations go to war over what happens to the factory site. Transform it into a fashionable music venue, redevelop into luxury office space, or continue as it is, hoping the old business might somehow become profitable again? It’s more than bricks and mortar, more than ownership, it’s about knowing where you fit in the world – knowing that there’s still a place for you.

From Chris Bush, the writer of Standing at the Sky’s Edge, ROCK / PAPER / SCISSORS are three fresh, funny and heartfelt looks at family, heritage and legacy.

Why not see the other side of the story and book for PAPER in the Lyceum and SCISSORS in the Studio.

14th June to 2nd July

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/rock

[Dawnstar]

If only I didn't live more than 3 hours away from Sheffield then I'd be booking for all 3 of them, as the concept sounds fascinating. Unfortunately it's probably not a great contender for a transfer or tour either, as there can't be many theatres that have 3 stages.

[TallPaul]

Rock opens first on Tuesday 14 June, followed by Scissors two days later on the 16th, then Paper two days after that on Saturday 18 June.

Book all three at the same time and save 15%.

It's going to be quite something!

[jgblunners]

Jan 30, 2022 13:29:14 GMT Dawnstar said:

If only I didn't live more than 3 hours away from Sheffield then I'd be booking for all 3 of them, as the concept sounds fascinating. Unfortunately it's probably not a great contender for a transfer or tour either, as there can't be many theatres that have 3 stages.

I think the only obvious option is the National Theatre, although whether Rufus Norris would be willing to give up all three of his spaces to a transfer at the same time is doubtful. I reckon Chichester could also do it if they erected a pop-up space in their gardens.

[imstillhere]

I'm not sure if transferring this is in it's current form is the best idea. As far as I'm aware Chris Bush is a playwright from Sheffield and she has worked at that venue a lot so it feels very right for her to take over three venues at once. I'm not sure a London venue could make this argument to ACE that this is the correct thing to do.

[BurlyBeaR]

Jan 30, 2022 18:29:59 GMT imstillhere said:

I'm not sure if transferring this is in it's current form is the best idea. As far as I'm aware Chris Bush is a playwright from Sheffield and she has worked at that venue a lot so it feels very right for her to take over three venues at once. I'm not sure a London venue could make this argument to ACE that this is the correct thing to do.

erm… ok. 

Relax London, you’re safe from playwrights from Sheffield! 

If Chris Bush was from Peckham would it be ok?

[imstillhere]

That's not what I'm saying though is it? I welcome more transfers to the NT, I think everyone does. I also can't wait for Standing at the Sky's Edge. What I'm saying is taking over the National Theatre's three flagship venues for two months just isn't accessible programming. That's three shows all playing to the same target audience, that's three shows with the same entire audience spectrum. NT seasons need to begin to have 360 degree programming and this programming choice would completely derail that.

[showgirl]

Ahem... Chris Bush has worked at the Almeida recently albeit on their only stage.

[TallPaul]

I didn't realise until today that there are two dates when it's possible to see all three plays, with performances at 11.30, 3.30 and 7.30. I'm tempted, but will I have the stamina? Will the cast?

When I was at the world-famous Crucible Theatre last week, Rob Hastie revealed that the design for 'Rock' makes use of the red steel grid under the stage, which is normally hidden from view.  Tres excited!

[musicalfloozie]

Not very often I'd be lurking in the plays threads but to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Crucible we have booked to see all three. Saw Scissors first at the Studio on opening night then Paper last night at the Lyceum. Night one at Scissors went without a hitch, a couple of line reminders but it was the first night, there were no delays, Paper last night a slight pause whilst they got back on track and synched them back up. Off to see Rock towards end of run so hopefully will all run smoothly. Out the two I've preferred Paper it was funny and witty. Looking forward to Rock to piece the final bit of the jigsaw together.
They all can be watched independently as have their own storyline but after seeing 2 there are obviously characters and tangents you understand a little more.

[hades]

Just got back from seeing all 3 plays today; Rock at 11:30, Paper at 3:30 and Scissors at 7:30. I had a really great time, but I'm definitely tired from it (can't imagine how the actors feel after performing for 7.5 hours)

My favourite was probably Rock, although they were all great. It was funny, real, and surprisingly emotional at points! The design for each was very different and worked well in the different spaces.

As has been said before, all 3 can be watched individually and still make sense, but watching them all helps to put together all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle. It's definitely something I'd recommend seeing if you can... as long as you have a spare day (or a few evenings) to set aside for it!

[theatreliker]

I also saw the three plays on Wednesday and highly recommend them. Impressively staged considering they have to synch up 3 plays.

I was interested to read in the intro to the script that they explored other ideas of staging 3 plays. One of them was a wedding play in the Crucible, an am dram musical about a wedding in the Lyceum (including a fake musical within in the style of Larkin/Richard Curtis) and a play about the caterers in the Studio.
These sound fun but with Rock Paper Scissors they've achieved plays with a real purpose. Plays about Sheffield and its community with heart and intricacy.

If you can't see them all I definitely recommend Rock and Paper.

[TallPaul]

That's that, then.


It's a real shame such a clever concept didn't catch the attention of the paying public in larger numbers. Perhaps autumn would have been better, when the temperature starts to drop and the nights are darker.

Goodness knows how Chris Bush managed to get all the characters in the right place at the right time (or, as these are plays set in a Sheffield scissor factory, do I mean Wright?).

Particular praise must go to Dumile Sibanda, Joe Usher, Maia Tamrakar and Leo Wan, who I thought all gave very confident and assured performances.

I think I would have made the sketch in the briefcase by Picasso, but what do I know?

In 32 years, I don't think I've ever sat on the very front row of the Lyceum. What a treat to have so much legroom for just £15!

[properjob]

I enjoyed them all but I was least keen on Rock which I saw last. I wonder if seeing Rock last was a factor in being less keen as there weren't any really any new revelations also the actress playing the sister of the late owner stumbled over her lines a few times.

There were six different orders you could see then in and I wonder how the experience differs.