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Events

Coffee Morning
In the Bar and Foyer
7th March from 10:30 to 12:00
In the Bar
13th March from 20:00 to 21:00
Coffee Morning
In the Bar and Foyer
4th April from 10:30 to 12:00
Members - AGM - 2026
In the Auditorium and Bar
25th February from 19:30 to 21:00

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The Unfriend

Mar 21st to 28th 2026
Steven Moffat

While on holiday, Peter and Debbie befriend Elsa: a lusty, Trump-loving widow from Denver, USA. She's less than woke but kind of wonderful. They agree to stay in touch – because no one ever really does, do they?

When Elsa invites herself to stay a few months later, they decide to look her up online. Too late, they learn the truth about Elsa Jean Krakowski. Deadly danger has just boarded a flight to London! But how do you protect all that you love from mortal peril without seeming, well, a bit impolite? Because guess who's coming... to murder!

Steven Moffat's comic play The Unfriend takes a hilarious and satirical look at middle-class England's disastrous instinct always to appear nice.Steven Moffat is an award-winning writer whose internationally successful television shows include Doctor Who, Sherlock and Dracula.

 

EDI Assessment
In line with our EDI policy, we undertake an EDI impact assessment of all our artistic programming. This play has no central diversity message. On the character notes, there are indications where specific playing gender identifications are called for and there are also recommendations of approximate playing ages. Otherwise there can be flexibility around casting with regard to ethnicity, age and disability.

Criterion Big Build 2025

Criterion Big Build

Criterion Redevelopment: Announcement

Status and Progress Bulletin

Thanks to an incredible gift left by Chris Murly (one of our founding members) and generous donations over many years we have been able to embark on improving the theatre for all our visitors and users and The Big Build started in May.  You can follow progress via our weekly Bulletins as we progress through the build.

As a volunteer lead, charitable theatre company we rely on the generosity of our volunteers, audience members and donors to continue a tradition that stretches back 70 years.

If you feel you can help via a one off donation, a regular contribution or playing the Criterion Lottery please contact Barbara Sowerby at fundraising@criteriontheatre.co.uk to discuss how you can help or alternatively via our Just Giving page Criterion Theatre Big Build Campaign.  

If you are able to help in any other capacity (DIY, professional trades) or just want to be involved please drop an email to volunteer@criteriontheatre.co.uk and make yourself known. There are some wonderful small, manageable projects in the pipeline, a real chance to play a part in shaping the future.

 

Coming Soon

Various
Main House
May 9th to 16th
Ben Elton
Main House
Jun 27th to Jul 4th
Sarah Gordon
Main House
Sep 26th to Oct 3rd
Marc Norman/Tom Stoppard adapted by Lee Hall
Main House
Dec 5th to 12th

Just Finished

Des McAnuff and Pete Townshend
Main House
Jan 31st to Feb 7th
Anthony Neilson
Studio in the Auditorium
Dec 17th to 20th
Multiple Authors
Main House
May 10th to 17th
© 2026 Criterion Theatre Ltd
Registered UK 01643977 | Registered Charity 1161430