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 503 members shared between Theatre (117), Music (91), Film (151), Dance (57), Visual Arts (47) and Books (40). Admission to the Circle is by invitation from the Council.
Each year since 1988, the Circle has presented the Rosebowl for Distinguished Service to the Arts to an artist of conspicuous achievement. In 2019 the members voted for David Hockney and in 2020 for Dame Janet Baker.
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: Suzi Feay
Vice-President: Robert Thicknesse
Hon. General Secretary: Rick Jones criticscircleallsections@gmail.com
Hon. Treasurer: Peter Cargin
Trustees: Ian Herbert, Michael Billington, Peter Cargin
News & reviews
Rosebowl lunch 2020 for Michael Frayn
On Wednesday 14 July 2021, towards the end of the morning, the Critics' Circle helped to get the wheels of live social intercourse moving again when fifty members arrived for luncheon at the National Liberal Club. The guest of honour was novelist and playwright...
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Transgressive Technique – Jean Dubuffet: Brutal Beauty
Reacting against academic art and the classical tenets on which it is based, Dubuffet sought meaning in overlooked, base matter and the forgotten in society. Born in 1901 in Le Havre, he decided early he wanted to become an artist. He attended night classes in life...
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Michael Frayn wins 2020 Rosebowl
Every year since 1988, the Critics’ Circle has voted for a single leading artist to receive an engraved crystal Rosebowl in recognition of their distinguished contribution to the arts. The first recipient was Sir Peter Hall, Director of the National Theatre and...
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Film Critics Issue Inclusivity Statement
Over the past year the Critics' Circle Film Section has been reflecting on its membership criteria and the decision-making around it.On examination of our processes, we realised that we have been artificially limiting the number of candidates accepted every year, and...
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Nominees for 21st National Dance Awards announced
The 21st National Dance Awards - #NDA21 Announcement of Nominations The Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle is pleased to announce the short-listed nominations for the National Dance Awards (#NDA21). Due to the impact of the pandemic, the qualifying period for...
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