Criterion Theatre (Sydney)

For other uses, see Criterion Theatre (disambiguation).

Criterion Theatre

Criterion Theatre, Sydney, from Pitt Street
Address	Corner of Pitt and Park Street Sydney Australia
Type	Proscenium arch
Capacity	991
Construction
Opened	27 December 1886
Closed	13 July 1935
Demolished	1935
Architect	George R. Johnson

The Criterion Theatre was a theatre in Sydney, Australia, which was built in 1886 by architect George R. Johnson on the south east corner of Pitt and Park streets. It closed in 1935 and the building was demolished.

History

The Criterion Theatre, often referred to as the 'Cri', opened on 27 December 1886. ^{[1] [2] [3]} Situated on the south east corner of Pitt and Park streets, Sydney, ^[4] it was funded by John Solomon (died 1902) ^[5] and designed by architect George R. Johnson. The 'Cri' was Sydney's most famous intimate playhouse at the time, with a Neo-Renaissance exterior ^[6] and a capacity of approximately 991 seats. ^[7] The 'Cri' was used for drama and music performances for almost 50 years. It closed in 1935, partially as a result of the Depression and competition from cinemas, and was demolished in 1935, ^[8] to facilitate the widening of Park Street. ^{[9] [6]} Prior to closure and demolition of the 'Cri', the north east corner of Pitt and Park streets was a popular meeting place for unemployed actors and was known as Poverty Point. The Criterion Family Hotel survived on the remaining narrow strip of land, ^[10] and became a popular watering hole for actors engaged in radio plays at the nearby ABC studios.

Design and construction

The Criterion Theatre was built in the baroque (Italianate) style or Neo-Renaissance style. It was conjoined with the Criterion Family Hotel. The internal design was Georgian colonial with a seating capacity of between 990 and 1000. The auditorium colour scheme was light blue and gold. ^{[7] [11]} Seats were covered in ruby plush velvet and balconies incorporated gilt and brocade. This was a distinct change from the conventions of theatre colour schemes at the time which tended to favour green baize. A portrait of James Cook proclaiming the east coast of Australia in the name of Britain descended between acts. ^[7]

Although seen as an improvement on theatre design for Sydney, a report by the colonial architect was critical of inadequate and malodorous backstage facilities, in particular the orchestra pit and dressing rooms. ^{[7] [12]} This triggered a refurbishment in 1892. Interiors were remodelled along Moorish inspired colours of pale blue, fawn and gold. ^[7] Cook's portrait was replaced by a Moorish Palace. ^[7] A further refurbishment in 1905 addressed health and safety issues of backstage facilities as well as fireproofing, increased number of exits and additional seating capacity.

Productions

The Criterion Theatre opened with the operetta Falka performed by the Rignold and Allison Opera Company. ^[13] Other notable productions included The Sultan of Mocha (1890), The Kelly Gang (1898) and The Squatter's Daughter (1907). It hosted a number of production companies including Brough Bouicault Comedy Company (producing works by Pinero and Wilde), Henry Bracy's Comic Opera Company, Pollards Lilliputian Opera Company and the Curtis Minstrels. Expatriates Oscar Ashe and Lily Brayton also toured production at the 'Cri'. ^[6] The final production at the 'Cri' was Barry Conners' The Patsy.

In 1915, J. C. Williamson's leased the 'Cri' from new owner Frank Musgrove. ^[14] Williamson's imported London West End shows until the 'Cri' closed in 1935.

References

1. "Criterion Theatre". The Sydney Morning Herald . No. 15, 208. New South Wales, Australia. 23 December 1886. p. 9. Retrieved 29 June 2019– via National Library of Australia.
2. "The Criterion Theatre". The Sydney Morning Herald . No. 15, 213. New South Wales, Australia. 29 December 1886. p. 7. Retrieved 29 June 2019– via National Library of Australia.
3. "Criterion Theatre". The Sydney Morning Herald . No. 15, 199. New South Wales, Australia. 13 December 1886. p. 8. Retrieved 29 June 2019– via National Library of Australia.
4. Brodsky, Isadore (1963). Sydney takes the stage. Neutral Bay : Old Sydney Free Press.
5. "N.S.W. Jewish Association". The Hebrew Standard of Australasia . Vol. 7, no. 22. New South Wales, Australia. 12 December 1902. p. 7. Retrieved 28 October 2025– via National Library of Australia.
6. "Sydney Architecture Images- Demolished- The Criterion Theatre". www.sydneyarchitecture.com. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
7. McPherson, Ailsa (2008). "Criterion Theatre". Dictionary of Sydney. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
8. "Stage and Screen". The Referee . No. 2517. New South Wales, Australia. 20 June 1935. p. 16. Retrieved 29 June 2019– via National Library of Australia.
9. The Criterion Theatre Sydney Archived 13 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine at History of Australian Theatre ^{[ verification needed ]}
10. The Criterion Theatre Sydney Archived 13 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine at History of Australian Theatre
11. "Criterion Theatre (Sydney)". Sydney Theatre History. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
12. Concise companion to theatre in Australia. Parsons, Philip., Chance, Victoria. (Rev. and abridged from "Companion to theatre in Australia." ed.). Sydney: Currency Press. 1997. ISBN   0868194999. OCLC   37911150.
13. "Some Recollections". Wellington Times . No. 3423. New South Wales, Australia. 3 January 1936. p. 4. Retrieved 29 June 2019– via National Library of Australia.
14. "Criterion Sold". The Sun (Sydney) . No. 514. New South Wales, Australia. 2 February 1913. p. 5. Retrieved 28 October 2025– via National Library of Australia.

33°52′24″S151°12′30″E / 33.873230°S 151.208243°E / -33.873230; 151.208243