As we head towards Christmas and 2024 I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all our wonderful members and audience members. It has been a successful year for us with fantastic productions, great events and building developments. From Coffee mornings to drama classes, our wonderful bar nights to the artistic endeavours we continue to grow and develop. None of which would be able to happen without the hard work, support and dedication of the team of volunteers, putting their time in day after day, production after production. I would like to take the opportunity to say a personal thank you to the board and committees, that keep the wheels turning, for all their hard work this year. The dedication and selflessness, doing a difficult job, is commendable and appreciated.
I also wanted to let you know that Anne-marie Greene, our Artistic Director, is undergoing some health issues and will be going into hospital after Christmas and will be out of action for a few weeks while she recovers. If you know Anne-marie you will know this will be difficult for her, as a major driving force behind the Criterion, she is not good at putting herself first. I have no doubts that the theatre will rally behind her and support where needed to ensure she has time while she recovers. We have rescheduled her production of ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ to September to ensure that she can concentrate on getting fit and well to direct this wonderful play. Our love and best wishes are with her and the family.
As I write this our final show of 2023 is about to end after a sold out run, the set will be struck and work will start for the next. In the meantime, preparations are underway for the legendary Carols night on Friday 22nd December, the true start of Christmas I feel. I hope to see you there.
Finally, on behalf of the board, I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Best wishes,
Jon Elves, Chair.