The Lyric, Venue & Theatre Hire
When the Lyric Theatre and Dance Hall was built in 1910, King George V had just been crowned, the first double decker bus entered service and Manchester United’s Old Trafford Ground was opened.
The Lyric was used for various entertainments popular in the day, but nowadays the Lyric, as a multi-use venue, plays host to local theatre groups, private celebrations, public functions and charity events.
Hire The Lyric
Looking at venues for your own celebration or event?
Why not use our magnificent building to host your own dances, parties and private functions? It has a fully licensed bar and catering kitchen, along with a stage, orchestra pit, lighting and sound system, and a private lounge area.
Please contact our Lyric Management Team to discuss your individual requirements. We look forward to helping you have a most enjoyable event.
Customer Reviews
“Brilliant little theatre. Does loads of shows as well as community events eg bingo , school holiday events etc. Has a lovely reasonably priced bar and tea/ coffee area. A wonderful local social hub” – Gary
“I performed here with our band Detroit Live on Friday and we had a fantastic time! Lovely clients and a lovely team! Big thankyou to Emma who was brilliant” – Clare
Location
62A Laughton Road, Dinnington, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S25 2PS
If travelling by car, use the postcode S25 2AG to be directed to the free car parks at the rear of The Lyric on Constable Lane.
History of The Lyric
The Lyric Theatre’s Origins
The Lyric was built in 1910, with local entrepreneur and impresario Mr James England as its main originator. His son, Fergus, is credited with carrying out much of the building work.
Originally constructed as a theatre, the Lyric featured a stage, proscenium arch, dressing rooms, a fly tower, and operating balconies for stagehands on three sides. Interestingly, the original building lacked backstage toilets, which were added later.
For many years, people unfamiliar with Dinnington found the theatre difficult to locate. The entrance, hidden between two shops, was like a tunnel. On the right-hand side was Fred Ranstall’s men’s shop, and on the left was Melia’s grocery shop, which, believe it or not, used to be a roller skating rink—a popular pastime at the time.
Silent Films and Music Hall Era
The Lyric began its life showing silent films, primarily Westerns, from a projection box accessed only by a ladder. In 1915, James England went on to build the Palace Cinema just a few doors up.
As the Palace Cinema thrived, the Lyric became better known as a music hall, with shows typically running for six nights, including a Tuesday matinee catering to men working afternoon shifts. Dinnington was one of the few places to maintain both a cinema and a music hall before, during, and after the First World War.
Prosperity and Hard Times
Over the years, the Lyric has had its prosperous times and lean periods, but it remained the area’s top dance hall, helping it survive the more difficult years.
In 1938, Mr. Francis Davies, manager of Dinnington Colliery, revived the operatic society and helped form the dramatic society. A lover of Gilbert & Sullivan operas, he introduced a series of Savoy operas, starting with The Gondoliers.
The Parish Council’s Ownership
In 1962, the Lyric changed hands when it was bought by the Parish Council for £1,800. This was considered a bargain, though the theatre was in dire need of renovation and had become a liability for the previous owner.
Now, the Lyric is busier than ever, with many organisations using the venue. The music hall spirit is still alive, upheld by the Operatic Society and Theatre Club, which brings well-known artists to the Lyric, delighting large audiences.
The Future of the Lyric
The Lyric continues to thrive in Dinnington, remaining the village’s number one venue.
Booking Concessions
Throughout the year the town council allows certain charitable organisations to book The Lyric at a concessionary rate (50% of the normal booking fee), so that the outlay of their event is reduced and more money can be put back into their charity. If you are a charity and would like more information, please get in touch.