The Critics’ Circle
Protecting and promoting cultural criticism since 1913
The Critics’ Circle believes impartial, professional criticism of the arts is an essential ingredient of a healthy society. The Circle today has 490 members shared between Theatre (117), Music (78), Film (151), Dance (57), Visual Arts (47) and Books (40). Admission to the Circle is by invitation from the Council.
Since 1988 the Circle has presented each year the Service to Art Rosebowl to an artist of conspicuous achievement. In 2015 the members voted for Dame Maggie Smith, in 2016 for Matthew Bourne.
The sections make their own awards in ceremonies which are significant social occasions, and hold periodic meetings and lunches to discuss their awards, propose new members, debate current issues and meet artists.
President: Mark Shenton
Vice-President: Mark Pullinger
Hon. General Secretary: Rick Jones criticscircleallsections@gmail.com
Hon. Treasurer: Peter Cargin
Trustees: Ian Herbert, Michael Billington, Peter Cargin
News & reviews
Die Zauberflöte, Glyndebourne
Kitchen sunk drama There might come a time when this new Glyndebourne production of Mozart's Magic Flute by the Franco-Canadian team of stage director/choreographer Renaud Doucet, and costume/set designer André Barbe, trading as Barbe and Doucet, will find its feet...
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Noye’s Fludde, ENO/Theatre Royal Stratford East
All aboard Benjamin Britten’s 1958 account of the flood described in Genesis draws on the mediaeval mystery plays, in which obedience is a key theme. While other human beings are busy being wicked, Noah is obedient to God’s command and starts building the ship without...
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Ben Nicholson; writings and ideas
As with many artists, Ben Nicholson’s letters have long been hidden away in archives, being freed only occasionally by scholars. He was a prolific, lively and informative writer of letters, notes and publications of various sorts all through his life, and this small,...
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Semblance and reflection
By Corinna Lotz Retroactive: Drawing and Painting Retrospective is at the Cello Factory, 33-34 Cornwall Road, SE1 8TJ until 30 June. Felix and Spear are exhibiting Clossicks’ paintings along with Auerbach, Kossoff and Uglo etchings at 71 St Mary’s Road, W5 5RG until 6...
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Brundibar, The Prisoner and Fidelio, Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Let my people go Hans Krása's Brundibár is perhaps the only opera given its early performances by a cast on death row. Written for a competition, it was first performed in 1942 in the Jewish orphanage in occupied Prague. The second performance was put on in the place...
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