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
Music section awards 2020/21
The Music Section of The Critics’ Circle is delighted to announce the winners of our Awards for 2020 and 2021 Young Talent (Composer) Alex Ho Young Talent (Conductor) Jonathon Heyward Young Talent (Voice) William Thomas Young Talent...
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CC Film Section stands with Ukraine
UK film critics show solidarity with Ukrainian colleagues The Critics' Circle Film Section has been in contact with Ukrainian film critics during the past week, and we have offered to stand with them as their nation faces this aggression from Russia. Here is their...
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The Power of the Dog takes top honours at the CC Film awards
Jane Campion's Western leads with four wins, while Drive My Car, Passing and The Souvenir Part II take two awards each at this year's virtual ceremony. The Power of the Dog was the big winner at the 42nd annual London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, winning four major...
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Le Nozze di Figaro, ROYAL OPERA
I’m an opera critic. I’m not there to enjoy myself. So I always feel a little fraudulent when a trip to the opera presents an evening of pure pleasure. David McVicar’s 2006 staging of Figaro, the opera’s 1786 setting transposed to a country house in 1830, is...
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Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog tops the nominees for the Film Awards
Female directors lead the way with Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter and Joanna Hogg’s The Souvenir Part II close behind in the nomination countThe UK’s leading film critics have unveiled the nominations for the 42nd annual London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, with...
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