Criterion welcomes the new year with a new look theatre and a new show!

The Criterion Theatre, nestled in the heart of the Earlsdon community, is set to launch its 2026 season at the end of January, following the completion of its modernised new front of house area.

The theatre, located in Berkeley Road South and run entirely by volunteers, has over the last seven months embarked on by far the biggest development project since first welcoming audiences through its doors in 1961. The work has been completed by a mixture of local tradespeople and members of the theatre and has created a brand-new open plan reception and bar area.

New look Criterion. Photo courtesy of the Criterion Theatre.

And it’s not just in the front of house area where the theatre has managed to improve its facilities. In line with its ambition to reduce its carbon footprint, the theatre has invested in more energy efficient lighting thanks in part to a grant from the Theatre’s Trust, which stands to reduce energy consumption by 40%.

And what better way to welcome the new setup than with a production of The Who’s “Tommy” ? This thoroughly entertaining rock musical with its dramatic score and fascinating storyline has been thrilling theatre goers for years, and is as relevant today as it was when it was first produced.

The new bar. Photo courtesy of the Criterion Theatre.

The artistic vision of the production is a simplicity of set, costumes and props with the use of inspirational projection and lighting to complement and enhance the piece, with an emphasis on the cast to bring the characters to life through the wonderful music.

This production of Tommy exists outside the bounds of a specific time or place and featuring a cast of 18 performers and a live band, promises to be a one-of-a-kind theatrical event.

The Criterion continues to try to encourage accessibility to live theatre by keeping prices affordable, with a maximum adult price of just £15; Under 25’s can enjoy the action from just £10!

All tickets are available from the website www.criteriontheatre.co.uk/tickets

Performance dates

Saturday 31 January – Saturday 7 February (7.30pm) No Sunday evening performance. Sunday 1 February/Saturday 7 February (2.30pm).