Coffee Morning - Cancelled Coffee. Cake. Community.

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. 26th January 2023 - 8pm - Favour - Ambreen Razia  [https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/plays-to-perform/favour] 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  [https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/pomona-9781350086715/] 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  [https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/plays-to-perform/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.

Coffee Morning - Coffee. Cake. Community.

For one night only - a rehearsed reading of the V-Day 2008 version of the monologues. They will be read by members of WOMEN ALOUD – a diverse group of women aged 20 – 70+ who bonded in a pub over hitherto secret desires to perform the VAGINA MONOLOGUES.  There will also be a short programme of brand-new monologues, created especially for WOMEN ALOUD. Plus, information about local women’s support agencies. Any profits will go to support services for women in Coventry. Warning: Contains explicit language Tickets £5.00 via the website or on the door.

Coffee Morning - Coffee. Cake. Community.

It's well known in folklore that St Patrick enjoyed a quiz with his friends. So, to honour tradition, the Criterion quiz team are back to pose some brainteasers for you, with the promise of the much coveted quiz trophy awaiting the winners.   It all starts at 8pm, so come along and enjoy the craic (as St Patrick also is reported to have done).    Teams of 4. No mobile phones. All welcome, although seating is limited so if you're coming along with a team, please let us know by Wednesday 15th March by emailling publicity@criteriontheatre.co.uk    

DAY ONE: SATURDAY 25TH MARCH 2023 POETRY/SPOKEN WORD, DRAMA, MUSIC   DRAMA - EXOTIC BY CASSANDRA O FLORESCA  An important new voice, Cassandra O Floresca, who submitted the work as a performance poem, with guest director Olivia Dineley, and Criterion Theatre company member Talya Rajagukguk (Jill in After Life). The first of five drama premieres in our festival. 'Exotic' is a critique of post- #metoo misogyny and the objectification and performative prop of an 'exotic' girlfriend, garnished with faux virtue signals. POETRY - DANGERMOUSE# Dangermouse# aka Scott Healy is a Coventry based poet. Often seen nibbling the cord and scoffing rhymes at Coventry's Fire & Dust poetry night. He was winner of the Positive Images' Faith Hope and Love Poetry Competition 2022. POETRY - JOHN BERNARD  John Bernard is a spoken word artist and rapper based in Coventry, whose work commentates on social issues, youth empowerment, faith and purpose. He is the founder of BACE (Be A Change Everywhere), an organisation that helps young people find a medium through poetry and spoken word.  Instagram and Twitter @johnpoetbernard DRAMA - S_MALL HOURS_ BY LUCY KIRKWOOD AND ED HIME, WITH KATIE MITCHELL [SMALL HOURS] It’s 3 o’clock in the morning, a young mum spends the night in a flat while her baby sleeps fitfully in the next room. Her husband is away and she cannot sleep. _small hours_ is an intimate dissection of the claustrophobic world of a new mother struggling to cope on her own.    Directed by Kelly Davidson. Performed by Leonie Slater. This is a Criterion Theatre production. _Please note that this play includes content around post-natal depression which may be distressing or triggering._   [Sonoplasts] MUSIC - THE SONOPLASTS A performance of chamber folk noir from The Sonoplasts (aka singer Amy Kakoura, violinist Simon Chalk and Fingers Nisbet on keys).  

DAY TWO: SUNDAY 26TH MARCH 2023 - 5PM MUSIC AND POETRY, DRAMA. MUSIC AND POETRY - HEALING AND HOPE - MIKAEL PETERSSON/EMILIE LAUREN JONES   Enjoy an uplifting evening of classical music beautifully mixed with spoken word. Featuring international pianist Mikael Petersson and Coventry Poet Laureate Emilie Lauren Jones. Words are weaved through melodies, plus there's a couple of stunning piano solos from a world class pianist. Known for her beautiful imagery, Emilie's poetry offers an original view of the world. All this is sprinkled with amusing little anecdotes in between pieces. The show contains original compositions as well as variations of traditional classical pieces specifically chosen to leave audience members filled with hope and positivity. DRAMA - EXOTIC BY CASSANDRA O FLORESCA  An important new voice, Cassandra O Floresca, who submitted the work as a performance poem, with guest director Olivia Dineley, and Criterion Theatre company member Talya Rajagukguk (Jill in After Life). The first of five drama premieres in our festival. 'Exotic' is a critique of post- #metoo misogyny and the objectification and performative prop of an 'exotic' girlfriend, garnished with faux virtue signals. DRAMA -  _REBELLIOUS SISTERHOOD_ BY KAREN FORBES It is 1913. Emmeline Pankhurst, the leader of the Suffragette Movement, is recuperating at friend and fellow suffragette Ethel's country cottage, after a gruelling period travelling and speaking around the country. They are joined by ambitious, up-coming young firebrand Grace, who is being nurtured by Emmeline and is viewed as a rival by Ethel. Can Ethel and Grace unite for the cause and face new antipathy, and Laws, for Emmeline's sake?   This premiere of a new work by Karen Forbes (_Edith in the Beginning_ and _Barbed Wire and Teddy Bears_), will be directed by Chris Ingall. Performed by Christine Evans, Dawn Morris and Alexandra Vickers. This is a Criterion Theatre production.              

DAY THREE: MONDAY 27TH MARCH 2023  A NIGHT OF THREE DRAMAS   DRAMA - EXOTIC BY CASSANDRA O FLORESCA  An important new voice, Cassandra O Floresca, who submitted the work as a performance poem, with guest director Olivia Dineley, and Criterion Theatre company member Talya Rajagukguk (Jill in After Life). The first of five drama premieres in our festival. 'Exotic' is a critique of post- #metoo misogyny and the objectification and performative prop of an 'exotic' girlfriend, garnished with faux virtue signals.     DRAMA -  _SWEET_ BY SRABANI SEN OBE [Sweet] When riots erupt around them, corner shop owner Jaz takes in local girl Teesha to keep her safe. Grieving the mysterious death of her daughter, Jaz is determined to protect the spikey yet vulnerable Teesha. Trapped together, Jaz and Teesha discover that their lives are entwined in ways neither of them could have imagined. A shocking betrayal leads to unimaginable danger that will change both of their lives forever.   This premiere of a new play by writer and campaigner Srabani Sen is directed by Rachael Bellis and is a Dark Eye Theatre production.    PLEASE NOTE: The play is suitable for those over the age of 16 and contains offensive language and descriptions of violence.    DRAMA -  _REBELLIOUS SISTERHOOD_ BY KAREN FORBES It is 1913. Emmeline Pankhurst, the leader of the Suffragette Movement, is recuperating at friend and fellow suffragette Ethel's country cottage, after a gruelling period travelling and speaking around the country. They are joined by ambitious, up-coming young firebrand Grace, who is being nurtured by Emmeline and is viewed as a rival by Ethel. Can Ethel and Grace unite for the cause and face new antipathy, and Laws, for Emmeline's sake?   This premiere of a new work by Karen Forbes (_Edith in the Beginning_ and _Barbed Wire and Teddy Bears_), will be directed by Chris Ingall. Performed by Christine Evans, Dawn Morris and Alexandra VickersThis is a Criterion Theatre production. Karen Ewing Rebellious Sisterhood  

DAY FOUR: TUESDAY 28TH MARCH 2023 NEW WRITING AND DRAMA NEW WRITING- _VOICES FROM THE DARK - _COVENTRY RESOURCE CENTRE FOR THE BLIND   [CRCB]   New writing from the Creative Writing Group at CRCB. This is the latest live collaboration between CRCB writers and Criterion Theatre actors - and the first time they have performed together at the Criterion. They will perform a range of pieces: from poetry to comedy, from prose to moving memoir.  As this varied and entertaining programme demonstrates, while the writers all share sight loss, it doesn't define them - or their work.  DRAMA - _HATTIE _BY BEVERLY ANDREWS _Hattie _is a one woman short play which looks at the life of African American actress and first black Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel. The play looks at the social and economic constraints African Amercians had to endure during that period in American history as well as her journey through 1930s Hollywood. The short play is an imagined monologue that Hattie delivers as a key moment in her life.  DRAMA - _REBELLIOUS SISTERHOOD _BY KAREN FORBES It is 1913. Emmeline Pankhurst, the leader of the Suffragette Movement, is recuperating at friend and fellow suffragette Ethel's country cottage, after a gruelling period travelling and speaking around the country. They are joined by ambitious, up-coming young firebrand Grace, who is being nurtured by Emmeline and is viewed as a rival by Ethel. Can Ethel and Grace unite for the cause and face new antipathy, and Laws, for Emmeline's sake?    This premiere of a new work by Karen Forbes (_Edith in the Beginning_ and _Barbed Wire and Teddy Bears_), will be directed by Chris Ingall. Performed by Christine Evans, Dawn Morris and Alexandra VickersThis is a Criterion Theatre production.  

DAY FIVE: WEDNESDAY 29TH MARCH 2023  MUSIC, POETRY AND DRAMA. COMPERE  The Word from the Floor  POETRY Coventry Poetry Club (with Emilie Lauren Jones) DRAMA - S_MALL HOURS_ BY LUCY KIRKWOOD AND ED HIME, WITH KATIE MITCHELL It’s 3 o’clock in the morning, a young mum spends the night in a flat while her baby sleeps fitfully in the next room. Her husband is away and she cannot sleep. _small hours_ is an intimate dissection of the claustrophobic world of a new mother struggling to cope on her own.   Directed by Kelly Davidson. Performed by Leonie Slater. This is a Criterion Theatre production. _Please note that this play includes content around post-natal depression which may be distressing or triggering._   MUSIC AND POETRY - WES FINCH AND JASMINE GARDOSI Jasmine Gardosi is the current Birmingham Poet Laureate. She is a multiple slam champion, beatboxer and winner of the Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry. Her work exploring identity, LGBTQ+ issues and mental health has appeared on Button Poetry, at the Tate Modern, Glastonbury Festival and across BBC Radio, including BBC Radio 3's The Verb, Radio 4 and BBC Asian Network.  Highly renowned Coventry musician and song writer Wes Finch spent a number of years fronting a rotating roots ensemble called the Dirty Band, with which he recorded his first album in 2008. Echoes of American artists like Conor Oberst, Elliot Smith, and Ryan Adams can be heard in Finch’s style, which feels rooted in folk music but has the ambition and sophistication of pop.

DAY SIX: THURSDAY 30TH MARCH 2023 A NIGHT OF THREE DRAMAS   DRAMA - _THE PURSUITS OF PE'ER GYNT_ BY LIV DINELEY Meet Pe'er. Pe'er Gynt. A charming yet impulsive young man trying to find his drive. He’s on a search for happiness by any means. Everywhere he roams, chaos and destruction are sure to follow. Like a Tory to tax fraud, he’s completely blind to the effect his brazen lifestyle has on those around him. Imaginative retelling of classic tale. Liv Dineley is a walkabout performer with Coventry based company The Fabularium and Co-Director of _The Allesley Silas_, part of the Coventry City of Culture programming. DRAMA - WILD SWIM BY MARTHA WATSON ALLPRESS   On 17 March 2020, Papatango launched Isolated But Open: Voices from Across The Shutdown, to inspire creativity and share brilliant new stories at a time when people needed them most. The result was ten new monologues, chosen from 2063 submissions, representing the freshest, most vital and most exciting voices from across the country at that unprecedented time. Wild Swim was one of those monologues.From fags, red stripe and eclairs to plunging into icy water, the grieving process is full of surprises. In Wild Swim we meet Lauren who is persuaded to plunge into a frosty, muddy lake as a way of re-connecting with her Mum.  It’s a beautifully written, emotional piece that manages to explore loss with humour and is ultimately joyful and life-affirming.Performed by Lucy Hayton and directed by Helen Withers. This is a Criterion Theatre production.  DRAMA - _FAST_ BY FIN KENNEDY  [Fast] A twenty-four-hour school fundraiser in a semi-rural town takes on a new urgency when farmer's daughter Cara refuses to eat again until the supermarkets she holds responsible for her father's suicide agree to her demands. The Criterion Theatre Youth theatre presents this thought provoking ensemble piece. Directed by Alan Fenn.

DAY SEVEN: FRIDAY 31ST MARCH 2023 DRAMA, POETRY, MUSIC AND MULTI-MEDIA    DRAMA - S_MALL HOURS_ BY LUCY KIRKWOOD AND ED HIME, WITH KATIE MITCHELL It’s 3 o’clock in the morning, a young mum spends the night in a flat while her baby sleeps fitfully in the next room. Her husband is away and she cannot sleep. _small hours_ is an intimate dissection of the claustrophobic world of a new mother struggling to cope on her own.  Directed by Kelly Davidson. Perfomed by Leonie Slater. This is a Criterion Theatre production. _Please note that this play includes content around post-natal depression which may be distressing or triggering._ POETRY - DANGERMOUSE# Dangermouse# aka Scott Healy is a Coventry based poet. Often seen nibbling the cord and scoffing rhymes at Coventry's Fire & Dust poetry night. He was winner of the Positive Images' Faith Hope and Love Poetry Competition 2022. DRAMA - WILD SWIM BY MARTHA WATSON ALLPRESS On 17 March 2020, Papatango launched Isolated But Open: Voices from Across The Shutdown, to inspire creativity and share brilliant new stories at a time when people needed them most. The result was ten new monologues, chosen from 2063 submissions, representing the freshest, most vital and most exciting voices from across the country at that unprecedented time. Wild Swim was one of those monologues.From fags, red stripe and eclairs to plunging into icy water, the grieving process is full of surprises. In Wild Swim we meet Lauren who is persuaded to plunge into a frosty, muddy lake as a way of re-connecting with her Mum.  It’s a beautifully written, emotional piece that manages to explore loss with humour and is ultimately joyful and life-affirming. Performed by Lucy Hayton and directed by Helen Withers. This is a Criterion Theatre production. [FAT CHANCE] MUSIC/FILM - _FAT CHANCE _BY ANNA RYDER AND NICKY CURE An innovative music and moving imagery show – in collaboration with highly acclaimed artist Nicky Cure, annA rydeR sings her own original songs with the exciting extra dimension of equally distinctive and intriguing moving pictures.These are immersive, entertaining and atmospheric films made together over the last two years which combine Nicky’s art, real-life images and Etch-A-Sketch with annA’s hand-drawn cartoons and stop-motion and some live action chucked in.

  DAY EIGHT: SATURDAY 1ST APRIL 2023 THE GRAND FINALE POETRY/SPOKEN WORD, DRAMA, MUSIC POETRY - DANGERMOUSE# Dangermouse# aka Scott Healy is a Coventry based poet. Often seen nibbling the cord and scoffing rhymes at Coventry's Fire & Dust poetry night. He was winner of the Positive Images' Faith Hope and Love Poetry Competition 2022. DRAMA - WILD SWIM BY MARTHA WATSON ALLPRESS On 17 March 2020, Papatango launched Isolated But Open: Voices from Across The Shutdown, to inspire creativity and share brilliant new stories at a time when people needed them most. The result was ten new monologues, chosen from 2063 submissions, representing the freshest, most vital and most exciting voices from across the country at that unprecedented time. Wild Swim was one of those monologues.From fags, red stripe and eclairs to plunging into icy water, the grieving process is full of surprises. In Wild Swim we meet Lauren who is persuaded to plunge into a frosty, muddy lake as a way of re-connecting with her Mum.  It’s a beautifully written, emotional piece that manages to explore loss with humour and is ultimately joyful and life-affirming.Performed by Lucy Hayton and directed by Helen Withers. This is a Criterion Theatre production.   DRAMA _FAST_ BY FIN KENNEDY [Fast] A twenty-four-hour school fundraiser in a semi-rural town takes on a new urgency when farmer's daughter Cara refuses to eat again until the supermarkets she holds responsible for her father's suicide agree to her demands. The Criterion Youth Theatre presents this thought provoking ensemble piece. Directed by Alan Fenn. COMEDY DRAMA- _THE CLOSING _BY ANDREW SHARPE The Cabinet Minister from MinCult is here to close the Festival. A hilarious presentation of art imitating life as Jon Elves, Chair of the Criterion Theatre performs this eviscerating parody.  MUSIC AND COMEDY - KEITH DONNELLY. [Keith Donnelly] Singer-Songwriter/Comedian Keith, is a graduate of the University of Warwick and it was while in this part of the country that he found folk clubs and began playing in groups. As well as being a performer in his own right, Keith has also written material for Phil Cool and Jasper Carrot. If you have ever seen Keith live, you will know that his shows could be described as unique and are filled with fun, laughter and bags of energy.  

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 in 2022 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, 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!). Hope to see you then. And please do spread the word, all are welcome.   27th April 2023 - 8pm- Pomona by Alistair McDowell [https://www.concordtheatricals.co.uk/s/57043/pomona] 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. A sinister and surreal thriller from Alistair McDowall, _Pomona_ received its world premiere at the Orange Tree Theatre, London, on 12 November 2014. 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.   25th May 2023 - 8pm - Iman Qureshi - Ministry of Lesbian Affairs  [https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/plays-to-perform/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  [https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsd-uqrz8uGtxjFgTOr9ia3u3KqNzZKI7R] After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Earlsdon Festival - Tbc

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!). Hope to see you then. And please do spread the word, all are welcome.   25th May 2023 - 8pm - Iman Qureshi - Ministry of Lesbian Affairs  [https://www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/plays-to-perform/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.

Join Warwick University Big Band for the last event of the year, celebrating the musicians leaving the band.   Based in the University of Warwick, this student led 17-piece band has played venues all across the West Midlands and awarded with special merit for the 2023 National Concert Band Festival.   Playing everything from Beyoncé to Big Band classics, WUBB will be sure to put on a memorable performance and a great evening of music. To buy tickets click here [/../../../seats/8520]

Play Reading - Meet Me At The Nightingale

Touring Production - A Performed Reading By Jackie Tweedie

Coffee Morning - Coffee, Cake And Chat - See You There

Coffee Morning - Criterion Coffee Morning

Members - Company Members Agm

Join us for an evening celebrating you - our wonderful volunteers!  More details to follow shortly! 

Coffee Morning - Criterion Coffee Morning

Play Reading - Arsenic And Old Lace Cast Reading

Coffee Morning - Criterion Coffee Morning

Unfortunately, this audition has been postponed. It is likely to now be on Thursday 23rd November - check the website and/or the theatre's social media accounts for confirmation. 

Coffee Morning - Criterion Coffee Morning

Christmas Carols - Criterion Christmas Carols