Criterion Theatre

Hello everyone,

With the removal of pretty much all Covid restrictions many of us are wondering where we go from here and how we protect ourselves and visitors to the theatre. 

Our top priority, as always, is the wellbeing of our members, volunteers, audience, casts and crews, and we will work towards normality together; supportively and safely.

With this in mind, as we move forward we would ask that everybody follow our suggested Covid Code of Conduct. 

• If you feel suspect/know you have Covid then please do not come to the theatre. 
• Wear a mask in the building if you are feeling unwell, even if you have tested negative
• Wear a mask in the building if you live with or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.
• Use the hand sanitisers provided and regularly wash your hands.
• If you are going to be in a confined space with someone or with them for a long period (more than 30 minutes) always discuss with them whether you should wear masks
• Try and maintain a reasonable degree of social distancing to reduce risk
• Open windows or doors where possible to increase circulation of air
• Respect other people's decisions as to mask wearing
• Get fully vaccinated to provide the best protection
• Follow the Government guidance
• Respect others choices
• If it doesn’t feel safe, don’t do it.

We need to manage Covid-19 as we would the flu, or any other similar transmittable infection, through exercising personal responsibility. However, the theatre will continue to draw on government and public health guidance and we must all recognise the importance of being ready to respond to any emergent variants and act quickly where required to.

The Board will continue to review and respond to the Covid-19 risks and reserve the right to re-introduce any control measures in the interest of safety if infection rates rise significantly or government advice changes.

We all need to work together to ensure our spaces and activities undertaken in the theatre, whether as cast, crew, FOH or audience members are safe ,by adhering to the principles laid out in the Covid code of conduct. Our cleaning regimes, sanitiser stations, available ventilation and access to Face coverings will remain in place.

We are, and will always be, incredibly grateful for the resilience you have shown throughout the pandemic, please continue to help support us as we move forward.

Tickets are now on sale for upcoming productions on our website.

I also want to mention our brand new Can Recycling Bank in the car park. Please feel free to recycle your cans and help the theatre at the same time! We receive a small payment for our recycling efforts so it’s a win, win situation!

Finally, I want to mention that Simon Sharpe, our hard working Secretary, has decided to lighten his load and step down as Head of Set building. Simon has handed over the mantle to Mandy Sutton, who has kindly volunteered to take over. I would like to pass on our deep felt thanks to Simon for his fantastic contribution in creating such a great set building team, building some truly remarkable sets, and setting the standards and quality we have become so used to. I would also like to officially welcome Mandy to the role, who I know will carry on the great work, bring her own style and ideas, and make the role her own. We are in good hands.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or thoughts via; chair@criteriontheatre.co.uk ,

See you soon,

Jon