Critics Circle

President: Marianne Gray

Vice-President:Charles Spencer

Hon. General Secretary: William Russell, 50 Finland Road, Brockley, London SE4 2JH who will deal with any queries.

Hon. Treasurer: Peter Cargin

Trustees: Noël Goodwin, Ian Herbert

The Critics’ Circle, which makes an annual award to someone in the world of the Arts (see the banner above), is comprised of five sections: Dance, Art and Architecture, Drama, Film and Music. The aims are to promote the art of criticism, to uphold its integrity in practice, to foster and safeguard members’ professional interests, to provide opportunities to meet, and to support the advancement of the arts. Admission to membership is by invitation of the Circle. Currently there are over 300 members, mostly from the UK, the majority of whom write regularly for national and regional newspapers and magazines.

The Critics’ Circle is run by a Council of elected members from each section. The sections hold several meetings a year to admit new members, discuss current issues, and meet artists in their particular field. Occasional lunches are held to celebrate the work of a distinguished artist.

As well as the Critics' Circle Award voted for by all members of the Circle, three of the sections – Dance, Drama and Film – hold their own awards ceremonies at the beginning of each year. Critics vote for the winners and present the awards. The Film awards were first held in 1980 and are presented in association with the NSPCC. The Drama awards were started in 1989. The Dance awards are the only ones of their kind held in the UK.

'The Critics’ Circular is our News Letter and it can be found by members on the site by calling up the page marked Circular. It will be updated at regular intervals and any contributions should be sent to William Russell on Williamfinland@gmail.com

The Drama Section is also a member of the British Section of the International Association of Theatre Critics.