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Events

Coffee Morning
In the Bar and Foyer
4th April from 10:30 to 12:00
In the Bar
1st May from 20:00 to 21:00
Earlsdon Festival - Earlsdon Festival
In the All the theatre
4th May from 11:00 to 15:00

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Springboard Festival 2026

May 9th to 16th 2026
Various

What is Springboard Festival?

The fourth Springboard Festival will be bigger and better than ever. 

Eight evenings of fabulous and varied entertainment in the form of short one act plays, poetry/spoken word, music, film, literary discussion and visual art. The festival brings together amateur and professionals in one space, with in-house Criterion company performances and community/Criterion collaborations alongside external artists, musicians and poets from Coventry and Warwickshire. 

The Plays

 ‘The 18:17 to Nowhere’ by Judea Jess, directed by Rowan McDonnell.

Boomer and Gen Z co-workers on a bus. Gentle comedy of manners.       

 ‘Tell Them’ by Hodan Mohammed, directed by Alan Wales.

Celebrity, exposed as bully on chat show, responsible for tragedy.

 
 ‘Tour Guide’ by Katy Lynam, directed by Olivia Dineley.

When a passionate history buff risks losing her tour guide license for being "too boring," she decides to create an educational murder mystery to spice up her tours. But when her macabre creation spirals out of control, she must try to contain it anyway possible.

'The Dream Collector' by Fin Kennedy, directed by Olivia Simone.

A school group on a Media Studies field trip to the isolated country house of a black-and-white movie pioneer enter a sinister dreamworld when they go exploring after dark. Once they step through the movie screen, each of the young friends meets their dream double, the sinister Neverborn… an ensemble play for teenage performers, produced by the Criterion Youth Theatre.

'Gloria' by Derek Headley, directed by TBC

A moving reflection on living with a failing memory

‘Pidgewidgeon’ by Jet Burnett, directed by TBC

Auditions to be announced at later date

Set in a post-apocalyptic America, this intimate play follows four survivors on a small, self-sufficient homestead. The story explores survival, love, and unexpected connections.

Cast of 4.

Older Men (Lovers, “Badass gay dudes”):

Man 1: Nostalgic and contemplative, waiting for his daughter. Wants peace and tranquility, often playing house for visitors.

Man 2: Crude, action-oriented, and quick to react. Prefers to shoot first and ask questions later, but can be calmed by his partner.

Younger Adults:

Woman: Strong, silent, and protective. Her body language shows she’s always ready for action. Has a soft spot for the young man, though their relationship is ambiguous.

Man: Naive, clueless, and talks to much. Often unaware of danger, yet somehow has survived in this harsh world.

To register interest in auditioning and to find out more information please contact the director TimothyEastCW@outlook.com 

 

 

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

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

Steven Moffat
Main House
Mar 21st to 28th
Des McAnuff and Pete Townshend
Main House
Jan 31st to Feb 7th
Anthony Neilson
Studio in the Auditorium
Dec 17th to 20th
© 2026 Criterion Theatre Ltd
Registered UK 01643977 | Registered Charity 1161430