Since 1960, the Criterion Theatre has entertained audiences from its base on Berkeley Road South, Earlsdon. In that time, the fabric of the building has not changed to any great extent, with the majority of any renovations typically carried out by volunteers within the theatre.

It has long been recognised that our wonderful building needs modernising to prepare it for the next generations of users; not only to improve the theatrical experience for audiences and volunteers, but also to become more energy efficient building fit for a greener future.

Thanks to an incredible gift left by one of our founding members - Chris Murly - the generosity of donations over many years, and careful financial management, we have been able to look at starting the redevelopment of our Front of House area.

However, the work does not stop there and raising money is now key to continuing the development work beyond this first phase.

Phase 1 Front of House Improvements:

The most obvious change will be the outside of the building, with a new modern frontage featuring large format stone texture cladding panels, an illuminated sign and accessible entrance.

- New open entrance extension

- Opening up bar and entrance

- Complete refit and refurbishment

- New furniture throughout

- Sympathetic bar refurbishment

- Full toilet refurbishment

- New wall and floor finishes

- Theatrical entrance to auditorium

- Inclusive, flexible design

Further Initiatives we are looking to fund and undertake:

The next stage is to install an economical air conditioning system which will not only ensure that the building’s temperature is more easily managed, but also help to reduce the carbon footprint.

Followed by replacing the stage lighting with more efficient LED lamps to further reduce our environmental impact and running costs.

Other initiatives will be the installation of solar panels on the roof to make our energy use even greener.

Redevelopment of the backstage area to provide a more accessible, fit for purpose area for the cast and crew who put on our wonderful productions.

We are a volunteer lead, charity theatre company in the heart of Coventry and rely on the generosity of our volunteers, audience members and donors to continue a tradition that stretches back 60 years.