Miss Saigon - Sheffield Crucible

I am determined to get to Sheffield for the the matinee performance on 22 July and the centre front row stalls seat I booked minutes after Miss Saigon went on public sale last year. That Saturday is now a rail strike day.

I had part of my travel already booked, from London to Sheffield by National Express and back by train. Now have to assume the train won't run so have booked National Express from Meadowhall to London for the return journey. There are a lot more coaches to and from Meadowhall than to Sheffield city centre, including Megabus. Cost (£22) not too bad with my senior coachcard for an 18.05 departure.

If the strike is called off or my booked train does run I can amend the coach journey for a fiver and use it to return from Sheffield when I see Barnum in November or White Christmas in December.

Not sure yet how I will get to and back from Victoria if there are no trains from Kent to London but partner will drive me to/from Abbey Wood for the Elizabeth line if necessary.

Awww, much appreciated!

But I feel safe about leaving the suitcase with a Premier Inn... I'm always a bit doubtful when it's some little corner shop you know nothing about, but surely Premier Inn will be okay and frees me up for a few hours of sightseeing before my friend joins me.

Might want to get a taxi from the station to Angel Street too. It’s not far in distance but it’s uphill, across a big dual carriageway, around buildings etc. Hassle even with a carry-on sized bag. Ubers pick up from the same area as the black cabs. Station concourse, turn left. 

I liked her performance but less keen on his

Is anyone there for opening night tomorrow?

Hope no-one minds me asking a random question, but it looks like we might have the benefit of Sheffield locals on here...
I am coming up to see the matinee on the 15th July but will be driving my campervan - can anyone recommend decent parking which isn't too tight and without a height barriers? I'm about 2.3 metres high so generally any indoor or barriered parking is no good.
I'm happy with a fair walk to the theatre so parking doesn't have to be super close. Thanks!

Edit  - just to clarify, this is only for parking whilst at the theatre, not for overnighting! I've got a campsite booked for the night!

For me he is too 'x factor', too much looking like he is straining in the face, vocal acrobatics instead of being in character.

In fairness though on stage he could be completely different and have character.

Exactly. I don't know what goes through directors/producers' minds these days, I really don't. But I think attempts at authenticity are way down the priority list.

Random questions are TB's specialty. 

With a bit of time to spare, I'll answer your parking question in due course if I may.  First off, I want to draw your attention to Sheffield's newly introduced Clean Air Zone.  Although private cars are currently exempt, I believe, from reading various online forums, that campervans are a bit of a grey area.  May I strongly suggest that you check the status of your vehicle on the Council website:

www.sheffield.gov.uk/clean-air-zone-sheffield

Even if exempt, please, please, please DO NOT drive along Arundel Gate, towards the world-famous Crucible Theatre, in a northerly direction.  There is now a bus gate in operation.

I'd hate anybody to to receive two separate fines for the same theatre trip.  Although the Council seems hellbent on deterring visitors, us locals are, on the whole, really friendly and welcoming.

Thanks musicalfloozie and TallPaul for the advice, please excuse my rudeness thanking you so late! I’m going with my mum and we like a nice walk so will probably check out the Botanical Gardens and possibly one of the National Parks if they’re not too far out? Will probably do some shopping as well and just have a general wonder around the city centre and the area near the Crucible.
I’m so excited to see what they’re going to do with this production, especially if it is indeed a 14 piece orchestra!

Can I still access the ridonculousy expensive underground car park beneath the Crucible on Arundel Gate? The bus gate is the other side of the dual carriageway presumably? 

Despite the theatre’s very reasonable prices this is turning out to be the most expensive theatre ticket ever. I’m having to hire a car FFS.