Criterion Theatre London
Criterion Theatre Tickets
What’s On at Criterion Theatre
This year, Criterion Theatre events cement the venue’s reputation as one of the best places to see smaller plays and musicals that have transferred to the West End. And girlfriend, if we were recommending a show you'll lurve, we'd say book now to see the hilarious Titanique musical! Inspired by Titanic, this sassy and camp parody imagines what would happen if Canadian diva songstress Celine Dion gatecrashed a Titanic Museum tour and told her version of events… featuring some of her biggest hits! With a cast including Layton Williams and Lauren Drew, this quirky show is full of Fringe-style humour and catchy tunes - a guaranteed great night out for fans of pop culture, musicals and comedy.
About the Criterion Theatre
The Criterion Theatre is situated in the heart of London’s busy Piccadilly Circus. Dating back to 1874 and designed by architect Thomas Verity (who also designed the Harold Pinter Theatre) the Grade II listed building was originally intended to be a multi-purpose concert hall complex, consisting of a restaurant, ballroom, private dining rooms and a galleried concert hall below ground level. However, as building work commenced it was decided that the concert hall was to be replaced by a theatre, with the restaurant and ballroom on the top levels of the building.
Renowned dramatist and librettist, W. S. Gilbert (one half of Gilbert & Sullivan) premiered several works in the early days of the Criterion Theatre, including the comic opera Haste to the Wedding and the farces On Bail and Foggerty's Fairy. During the Second World War, the BBC requisitioned the theatre due to its underground location, making it safe from bombing during the Blitz, and broadcast many comedies live to the nation.
The Criterion Theatre is one of a few West End venues not operated by Ambassador Theatre Group, LW Theatres, Nimax or Delfont Mackintosh; others include the Shaftesbury Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket. More recently, it has housed several successful productions including being the home of the Reduced Shakespeare Company from 1996-2005; The 39 Steps from 2006-2015, and Mischief Theatre's The Comedy About a Bank Robbery until 2020.
Should I get there early?
Visitors who arrive early can take the time to appreciate the theatre’s stunning architecture throughout the bars, public spaces and auditorium. The Criterion is arguably one of the West End's most breathtaking theatres, having been masterfully restored to reflect its original splendour. Admire the beautiful frescos on the foyer ceiling, or check out the tiles against the walls - painstakingly crafted to match the remains of the original Victorian decor.
Map and Address
218-223 Piccadilly, St. James's, London, W1V 9LB
Rail: Charing Cross station is the closest National Rail station. Walking to the theatre from here via Trafalgar Square and Haymarket takes around 20 minutes.
Tube: Piccadilly Circus is served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines. Exit 4 brings you above ground right at the entrance of the theatre. Leicester Square is around a 10-minute walk away and served by the Piccadilly and Northern lines, or Green Park station, which has step-free access to street level, is 10 minutes away along Piccadilly. Green Park is served by the Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
Bus: Bus routes 6, 9, 12, 88, 94, 139, 159, and 453 all stop close to the theatre, either on Regent Street or Haymarket.
Car: The closest car park is Q Park Leicester Square, a 5-minute walk away. Blue Badge spaces are available in this car park. There is limited pay-and-display on-street parking in the area. Drop-offs are possible on Haymarket.
Nearby Attractions
The Criterion is in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, surrounded by some of London’s most famous tourist attractions and some of the world’s best shopping streets.
Opposite the famous Piccadilly Circus lights and Eros statue, the theatre is a short walk from institutions like Fortnum & Mason and Hatchards in one direction, or the hustle and bustle of Leicester Square, Chinatown and Covent Garden in the other.
The Royal Academy of Arts is also on Piccadilly, home to the world-famous Summer Exhibition each year. The galleries host a range of exhibitions throughout the year, and the cafe is a great place to recharge in the middle of a day of sightseeing or shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Criterion Theatre box office open and how do I collect tickets?
The box office is open for in-person bookings and ticket collection from 12pm to 8pm on Tuesday - Saturday and 12pm to 7:30pm on Sunday. Tickets can be collected an hour before the performance begins, and customers are advised to not attempt to book tickets for future dates during this time due to queues.
Phone bookings are open from 10am to 8pm on Tuesday - Saturday and 11:30am to 8pm on Sunday.
What time does the Criterion Theatre open for a show?
The venue opens 45 minutes before the performance starts. The attractive, restored interior includes many ornate details to appreciate, so it is worth arriving early to ensure you can purchase your drinks, enjoy your surroundings and then get comfortable in the auditorium, ready for the show.
What food and drink are available at the Criterion Theatre?
The theatre has two bars; the Greene Bar and the Lord Attenborough Bar, as well as a coffee stall in the Dress Circle. The bars serve wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks alongside confectionery, snacks and ice cream. A Click & Collect service is offered so you can pre-order your drinks for the start of the performance and the interval. You should receive a text message the day before your booking with instructions on how to use Click & Collect.
Does the Criterion Theatre have a cloakroom?
The cloakroom is currently closed. Theatregoers should take minimal personal belongings with them and ensure that any bags or coats can be comfortably held on their laps or under their seats for the duration of the performance.
Is the Criterion Theatre air-conditioned?
The theatre is fully air-conditioned for the comfort of all visitors, including in the auditorium.
Where should I eat near the Criterion Theatre?
The theatre is located is in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, with a host of restaurants within a short walk. The Hard Rock Cafe is a popular choice as its just a couple of minutes walk from the theatre and serves a wide range of dishes in a fun, rock and pop themed environment. For an authentic taste of Italy, head to Cicchetti, which serves Venetian tapas and is just a five-minute walk away.
What is the best hotel to stay at near the Criterion Theatre?
For a luxury stay in London, consider the Hotel Cafe Royal. This five-star hotel has a roof-garden with spectacular views of London and an indoor spa. If you're on a tighter budget, the Thistle Piccadilly has comfortable rooms and is just a few minutes walk from the theatre.
How do I contact the box office?
The box office can be phoned directly at 033 33 202 895. You can find other contact details and more venue information at https://www.criterion-theatre.co.uk/.
