18 July - 11am

The Buried Jewel of Piccadilly 

In this presentation the history of the Criterion Theatre site and building will be fully explored.

Originally the location of a coaching inn the development of an entertainment complex was made possible by the Victorian redevelopment of London to improve transport links and hygiene.

Architect Thomas Verity won a competition to design the theatre which has survived in its original form, with regular improvements, thanks to the wonders of modern engineering and building practices.

Illustrated with photographs and plans the various difficulties faced by successive independent managements to ensure the Grade II* theatre has remained a focal point of the West End scene for 150 years will become clear.

25 July - 2pm

Topsyturveydom to Two Strangers, 150 years of stage magic 

Since opening under the management of H J Byron 150 years ago the Criterion Theatre has been at the heart of London’s West End physically and spiritually. As fashions change so has the programming in order to ensure continued success in a precarious industry.

This presentation will highlight the changing nature of productions across the years and the creatives and performers involved in creating stage magic with limited resources. Punching well above its weight the theatre has enjoyed many long running shows including Ray Cooney’s Run For Your Wife, Patrick Barlow’s The 39 Steps and a ten year residency by the Reduced Shakespeare Company.

From WS Gilbert to Samuel Beckett, Tom Stoppard and Alan Ayckbourn the intimate auditorium is ideal for drama, comedy and small scale musicals under the watchful eye of Managers including Charles Wyndham, Ian Albery, Sally Green and the current operators The Criterion Theatre Trust.

MARK FOX

Mark Fox has spent his whole life in the theatre, beginning as a performer and director and then going on to spend the last 32 years working in management for the same West End theatre company – owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber since 2000.

As a Theatre Historian he is an Honorary Friend of the Theatres Trust, Honorary Treasurer of the Society for Theatre Research, Committee Member of The Club for Acts and Actors (Concert Artistes Association), Lady Ratlings’ Badge of Merit holder and a member of The Grand Order of Water Rats.

In 2017 he was granted Freedom of the City of London.

Voluntary positions held are Chairman of The Frank Matcham Society and President of PERSPECTIV - Association of Historic Theatres in Europe