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Criterion Theatre

Update from the Artistic Director
7th January

Warm greetings for the new year to you all.

2022 has opened with a less positive situation regarding Covid-19 than we had hoped for. Nevertheless, we remain optimistic about the future and we have exciting productions coming up over the next few weeks into the Spring/Summer.

Clearly the situation regarding the Omicron variant is fast-moving, but as yet, there are no new restrictions planned beyond those relating to the existing Plan B, which will be officially reviewed by the Government on January 26th. So, we are moving ahead as planned with our production of ‘The Gift’ by Janice Okoh from January 29th to February 5th and the three other productions after that (‘Two’ by Jim Cartwright in March, ‘Mary Stuart’ by Friedrich Schiller in May and ‘Midsummer’ by David Greig in July).

Tickets are now on sale for ‘The Gift’ which runs from January 29th to February 5th. This is an outrageous and witty play, based around the true story of Sarah Bonetta, a Black African girl rescued from captors, brought to England and given to Queen Victoria. It moves between historical and contemporary settings and is guaranteed to entertain, provoke and inform in equal measure. Rehearsals are back in full swing after the Christmas break and we can’t wait to share the production with you.

Please do give your vital support to the Criterion and to our steadfast aim of continuing to produce quality live theatre despite the difficult circumstances, by getting your ticket now at: https://www.criteriontheatre.co.uk/tickets 

With due concern for being as safe as we can in enclosed spaces, we have taken the decision to offer this production to 50% capacity with more space between booked seats to facilitate social distancing.

I thought it would also be helpful to let you know about some of the other ways we are working to make the theatre as Covid-safe as possible for audiences and cast, crew and front of house teams.

But, pleased be reassured that you will still have a great time when you come to the theatre. There will be the same warm welcome from our wonderful teams and achieving that same exciting spirit of live theatre is central to all that we do.

Of course, as ever, we will keep a watchful eye on the situation and will amend and change planning as necessary. 

For now, let’s all work together to make sure these wonderful shows get up and running for the enjoyment of audiences.

All good health and creative dust to you all,

Anne-marie Greene, Artistic Director.

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Registered UK 01643977 | Registered Charity 1161430