Here at the Criterion, we are learning how to get used to a new normal while we are still in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Things are going to be very unsettled for a significant time yet, and we are going to have to learn to adapt quickly and flexibly to the changing circumstances as they happen.

However we are determined to continue as best we can to be a local hub for theatre and creative arts, upholding our name by setting the bar high for the types of activities we engage in.

We have just finished a sold-out run of our first post-lockdown live performances with 'Queers: Eight Monologues'. Thanks to the efforts of the Board and all our volunteers, we were able to create a safe environment where people could come and watch live theatre in a  socially distanced way and we were also really pleased to be able to offer an additional online performance. Production photographs and reviews can be found here. The production programme can be found here. 

This followed our first ever online production with the live streamed theatrical reading of 'Pressure' in August to a sold-out Zoom audience, information about which can be found here.

Keep a regular eye on updates on the website for activities happening over the next few weeks including the restarting of our popular play reading group and more online productions, as well as planning live performances as and when we are able to accommodate social distancing regulations. We will also be working on our EDI action plan. 

Despite the difficulty we’ve all faced over the last few months, the Criterion family has been pulling together to support both our community and the theatre itself. On November 13th we will be holding a virtual promises auction to raise vital funds to keep us going over the next year.   

And this is more important than ever as we look forward to our 60th anniversary year in 2021, when we will be doing all we can to make sure this is a true celebration of our wonderful theatre.