The Criterion

The Criterion is a 120-seat theatre privately owned by its membership. The majority of our members are from Coventry with a few from the greater Warwickshire area. Membership falls into two categories - Club and Company. There is no limit to how many members can join and no entry requirement.

In 2003 the impresario Pete Waterman became a patron of the theatre and was joined in 2004 by the renowned actor Ron Cook (an ex-member of the Criterion).

There are 8 main house productions each year, one of which is by our Youth Group, plus visits from other theatre groups and folk concerts. The company also runs workshops for experienced and non-experienced members and Saturday morning classes for juniors. The building is also available for lettings, as are a number of assets: lighting system, wardrobe, props etc.

The Criterion relies on the effort and time of volunteers. There are no paid employees. Much time and effort has been invested in recent years to make the theatre an important part of the community of Earlsdon as well as providing quality theatre to a wider audience.

Godiva Awards

The Godiva Awards evolved from the original and much-loved Coventry and Warwickshire Promotions Member Awards of the 1990's - and the tradition of recognising the contribution of our Membership to the region is powerfully carried forward into the much expanded Godiva Awards of today.

The Awards have developed over the last decade to be the largest lifestyle awards in the region, covering a geographical area stretching from South of Birmingham through Coventry, Solihull, Rugby, Nuneaton, Bedworth and the Warwickshire heartlands of Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Stratford-upon Avon and Warwick.

The Criterion has picked up the award for Best Theatre in 2005 and 2007.

Artistic Policy and Play Production

• In each season there is a variety of productions ranging from comedy to classical drama with occasional musical productions.
• As well as acting skills there are several members who also have musical talents both instrumental and vocal.
• Each production generally runs for 7 performances.
• Due to the flexible seating introduced a few years ago plays can be presented in a variety of ways i.e. on stage, in the round etc.
• Regular auditions are held to recruit further acting and technical talent to the theatre.
• Close links have been established with other local theatres and drama groups and the theatre is a member of the Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain providing links to little theatres nationwide.

Other Theatre Activities

• For many years the Criterion has been running Saturday Morning Drama classes for the Performing Arts Service. Classes are held each Saturday morning during term time for children between the ages of 5 and 18. These classes are run by company members who are cleared to work with children by the CRB and have the requisite skills to provide drama education of a high standard. A member of the board is also on-hand for Health & Safety considerations.
• Other drama and arts groups have also used the theatre for their productions (e.g. Eden Theatre Group, folk artists and travelling drama groups, Jazz Dance Company, Boolean Brothers Comedy & Improvisation).
• The theatre has a youth group who have their own programme of activities as well as taking part in the theatre's productions.

Social Events

• The theatre bar is open each night during production weeks and, at other times, on two nights per week for the use of club members. Much effort has gone into making the bar an attractive place for local residents to enjoy a quiet drink without the distractions of jukeboxes and game machines! Quality real ale is served.
• On the first Saturday each month there is a coffee morning where shoppers can enjoy coffee and cakes and can purchase second hand books or just browse through them. These mornings have proved to be very popular.
• Exhibitions by local artists are held in the foyer and bar areas on occasions during production weeks.
• The theatre is host to a number of local groups who hold meetings in the bar (e.g. the Earlsdon Gardening Club, the Earlsdon Craft Society, Elephant up a Pole Morris dancers etc.)
• Each Christmas our members hold a Carol evening when everyone is encouraged to come along for a sing song.