One of the unexpected joys of lockdown was the Zoom play-reading circle organised by the Criterion theatre in Coventry, transporting us to different worlds, in a diverse and often distant company of theatre lovers.
Some led to productions, including 'The Gift' early this year and 'The Welkin' scheduled for 2023. 'Maryland' was performed on-line. It also meant that Criterion contacts from around the country could join in without having to brave the Coventry ring road. And enjoy a glass or two.
The readings are free to attend (although of course we pay for the rights) and but we think it’s important to broaden our horizons and build on that earlier good work.
So, as the nights draw in, why not come and escape from it all? You can read a part, stage directions or just sit back and listen - it’s totally up to you.
If you would like to read please email lucyhayton@hotmail.com and include your name, approximate age and ethnicity so we can allocate parts as appropriately as possible (although be prepared to read anything!).
Below is the list of play readings which we hope you’ll find interesting. Hope to see you then. And please do spread the word, all are welcome.
1st December 2022 - 8pm - The Birds - Conor McPherson
A suspenseful, atmospheric adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's enthralling short story.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUld-qorj4vHN38zJd5IFU-zWM2Q_C6L8vW
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
26th January 2023 - 8pm - Favour - Ambreen Razia
Ambreen Razia's play Favour is a touching and hopeful family drama about a working-class Muslim family, tackling duty, addiction and the challenge of pulling yourself back together after it all falls apart. It was a Bush Theatre and Clean Break co-production and premiered at the Bush, London, in 2022
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvfuCrrjgpGda3364IxcJg4rPZgcvtPrTs
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
23rd February 2023 - 8pm - Pomona - Alistair McDowall
Ollie's sister is missing. Searching Manchester in desperation, she finds all roads lead to Pomona, an abandoned concrete island at the heart of the city. Here at the centre of everything, journeys end and nightmares are born. Pomona is a sinister and surreal thriller.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sd-Curz4jH914qgjhaxzGmocwaANSBJy8
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
30th March 2023 - 8pm - Iman Qureshi - Ministry of Lesbian Affairs
It’s 2022. There’s a rainbow flag in every high street window, and no lesbian bar. Enter The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs: a lesbian choir on a mission to unite a disparate and dwindling community. Led by a world-weary conductor, the choir flirt, gossip and attempt to sing their way onto the main stage at Pride. This is a heart-warming and musical comedy about love, queerness, and belonging. No singing will be required as part of the reading!
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsd-uqrz8uGtxjFgTOr9ia3u3KqNzZKI7R
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.