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: Robert Thicknesse
Vice-President: Alex Leith
Hon. General Secretary: Rick Jones criticscircleallsections@gmail.com
Hon. Treasurer: Peter Cargin
Trustees: Ian Herbert, Michael Billington, Peter Cargin
News & reviews
Daniel Barenboim’s Rosebowl Presentation
Robert Thicknesse, President of the Critics' Circle, went to Berlin to present Daniel Barenboim KBE with the Circle's 2022 annual award "For Distinguished Service to the Arts". The presentation took place before a concert at the Barenboim-Said Akademie, where students...
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Music Awards – Live performances
Our "Young Talent" award winners - pianist Thomas Kelly, bass-baritone Ossian Huskinson and horn player Ben Goldscheider - all performed live at the Awards Presentation on September 20th in the Sky Bar at English National Opera. Here are their performances, recorded...
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Music Awards for 2022
All photos by Elliott Franks The music section convened with many glamorous guests and award winners for our second annual presentation, at the Sky Bar in the Coliseum, on Wednesday September 20th Our first Young Talent award winner... Composer Tom Coult. Here's Tom...
read moreVisual arts – previous award-winners
Overall award winner / services to the arts Year 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2021 2022/23 Award Winner Peter Murray David Chipperfield Thomas Heatherwick Sandy Nairne Caruso St John Julia Peyton-Jones Frank Bowling Iwona Blazwick Nicholas Cullinan Award Maker -...
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Derek Malcolm, 1932-2023
“A legend of a film critic, a great friend to many of us: we will never forget your intellectual verve, your affection, your humour and your twinkling eyes.” By Rita Di Santo It is not easy to write about Derek Malcolm, who has sadly died at age 91. He was a friend of...
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