Off the Shelf Festival of Words announces early ticket release with stellar line-up

Sheffield’s beloved Off the Shelf Festival of Words, delivered by the University of Sheffield, has announced an early release of tickets for a selection of its highly anticipated autumn 2025 events. Due to significant public interest and exciting additions to the programme, the festival is offering an exclusive opportunity to secure seats for some truly unmissable conversations and performances.

While the full programme for the autumn season will be unveiled in August, Off the Shelf is providing audiences with a head start on a few headline events featuring acclaimed authors, stars of media and culture, bringing audiences thought-provoking discussions and captivating performances.

Among the early bird offerings is an appearance by award-winning actress Alison Steadman OBE, who will appear on Saturday 1 November at 7.30pm at the Crucible Theatre to discuss her memoir, Out of Character: From Abigail’s Party to Gavin and Stacey. With a distinguished career encompassing collaborations with Mike Leigh (including Abigail’s Party and Nuts in May), her portrayal of Mrs. Bennett in the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice and memorable roles in Gavin & Stacey and Fat Friends, Alison Steadman will share insights into her acclaimed work. BOOK NOW

BAFTA-nominated and internationally celebrated writer Lemn Sissay OBE will perform on Sunday, 12 October at 6.00 pm at Firth Hall. He will be reading from his Sunday Times bestseller, Let the Light Pour In. Sissay is the recipient of numerous accolades for his contributions to literature including the prestigious Pen Pinter Prize. Join him for an evening of powerful words and uplifting poetry. BOOK NOW

Celebrated poet, playwright and broadcaster Simon Armitage, UK Poet Laureate and former Professor of Poetry at the University of Sheffield, will feature as part of the festival on Wednesday 15 October at The Octagon at 7.00pm. Armitage will read from his latest poetry collections and will perform with the band LYR. LYR are firmly established on the contemporary music scene, with critically acclaimed albums, sell out UK tours and major festival appearances LYR blends Armitage’s profound poetry with atmospheric arrangements, creating an unforgettable musical experience. BOOK NOW

Novelist, short story writer and broadcaster Kate Mosse, acclaimed for her historical and gothic fiction, will discuss her book Feminist History for Every Day of the Year on Thursday, 16 October at 6.00 pm at the Millennium Gallery. The author of the multi-million selling Languedoc Trilogy, winner of the British Book Award for Social Impact 2025 and a champion of the #WomanInHistory campaign, Mosse’s evening is anticipated to be an enthralling discussion. BOOK NOW

Prominent historian, author and television presenter Lucy Worsley OBE will attend the festival on Monday, 10 November at 7.00 pm at the Octagon Centre. Her numerous critically acclaimed documentaries and books include Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII and Queen Victoria: Daughter, Wife, Mother, Widow. Worsley will delve into the fascinating story of Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire, bringing history to life with her characteristic enthusiasm and knowledge. BOOK NOW

Sheffield’s own Graham Fellows, celebrated for his 1978 novelty hit “Jilted John” and his beloved comedic persona John Shuttleworth, will be appearing on Friday, 10 October at 7:00 pm at Firth Hall. Fellows has a dedicated following through his BBC Radio 4 series The Shuttleworths and will reflect on a crumbly selection of witty tales, dry humour, and reflections from his new book John Shuttleworth Takes The Biscuit!, exploring the wonderfully mundane world of Shuttleworth and his life in and around Sheffield. BOOK NOW

Writer, lecturer, and broadcaster Kenan Malik will discuss his book, Not So Black and White, on Sunday, 19 October at 5.00 pm at Firth Hall. Malik has contributed to publications such as The Guardian, The Observer and The New York Times and presented programmes on BBC Radio 4. Malik will offer his perspectives on race and immigration in conversation with two times Booker Prize shortlister Sunjeev Sahota. BOOK NOW

British novelist Mick Herron best known for his Slough House series of spy novels will join the festival on Thursday 16 October at 6.00pm at the Showroom Cinema. Herron’s work is celebrated for its sharp wit, intricate plots, and dark humor. The Slough House series has been adapted into a successful TV show, Slow Horses, starring Gary Oldman. Join Mick as he discusses the much-anticipated first Slough House book in three years Clown Town which promises the Herron trademarks of wit, satire and gripping storytelling. BOOK NOW

Tickets for these early bird events are on sale now and can be booked in person via the Sheffield Theatres box office, 0114 249 6000, or online at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Off the Shelf Festival of Words will run from October to November 2025

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