New season of shows announced at The Criterion Theatre in Earlsdon

As we enter 2020 there’s a host of new and exciting projects to get involved with across Coventry.

If theatre is your thing then keep yours eyes peeled for these new shows coming to The Criterion Theatre in Earlsdon. As well offering something new for theatre audience, The Criterion are always on the look out for new members to support the theatre, both on and off stage.

Shows coming up this year are:

January 25th to February 1st 2020

A play by Peter Quilter

In 1940's New York, the performer who everyone wanted to see live was Florence Foster Jenkins, an enthusiastic soprano whose pitch was far from perfect. Known as 'the first lady of the sliding scale', she warbled and screeched her way through the evening to an audience who mostly fell about with laughter. But this delusional and joyously happy woman paid little attention to her critics, instead she was surrounded by a circle of devoted friends who were almost as eccentric as she was. This hilarious and heart-warming play is based upon a true story, which was recently adapted for the 2016 film starring Meryl Streep in the title role. However Quilter's play is arguably much funnier than the film, spinning from Florence's charity recitals and extravagant balls, through to her bizarre recording sessions and an ultimate triumph at Carnegie Hall.

The Pillowman (February 19th - February 22nd) Written by Martin McDonagh

Directed by Steve Brown

A viciously funny tale about a writer in a totalitarian state who is interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories and their similarities to a number of child-murders that are happening in his town. Be prepared to be enthralled and appalled by this play from one of the greatest contemporary story tellers around.

Lovesong (March 14th - March 21st) Written by Abi Morgan

Directed by Christine Ingall

Lovesong intertwines a couple in their 20s with the same man and woman a lifetime later. Their past and present selves collide in this haunting and beautiful tale of togetherness. All relationships have their ups and downs; the optimism of youth becomes the wisdom of experience. Love is a leap of faith. A truly moving tale guaranteed to pull on your heart strings.

Pressure (May 9th - May 16th) Written by David Haig

Directed by Bill Butler

An intense real-life thriller centred around the most important weather forecast in the history of warfare. It is June 1944. One man's decision is about to change the course of history. Everything is in place for the biggest invasion ever known in Europe - D-Day. One last crucial question remains: will the weather be right on the day? Problematically there are two opposing forecasts. The decision made here will not only seal the fates of thousands of men, but could win or lose the entire war. An extraordinary and little-known true story, David Haig's play thrillingly explores the responsibilities of leadership, the challenges of prophecy and the personal toll of taking a stand.

Midsummer (July 4th - July 11th) Written by David Greig & Gordon McIntyre

Directed by Peter Gillam

A midsummer weekend in Edinburgh. It's raining. Bob's a failing car salesman on the fringes of the city's underworld. Helena's a high-powered divorce lawyer with a taste for other people's husbands. She's totally out of his league; he's not her type at all. They absolutely should not sleep together. Which is, of course, why they do. A wonderful, comic tale of falling in love when you least expect it. A play where the two actors also play and sing original music in an extravaganza of playfulness, wit, colour, sound and song.

Mary Stuart (September 5th - September 12th)

Written by Friedrich Schiller adapted by Peter Oswald

Directed by Hugh Sorrill

Schiller's play pits Mary, Queen of Scots against her rival Queen Elizabeth I in their full glory. The meeting never really happened but Schiller's Mary redeems her youthful crimes through an ordeal that lifts her into realms of spiritual serenity, while Elizabeth descends deeper into rage, revenge and deception. Oswald has written this striking new version in a mixture of prose and poetry making for exciting viewing.

For more details of how to get involved with the The Criterion Theatre or to book show tickets visit www.criteriontheatre.co.uk