Criterion Theatre
218-223 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London, Greater London, W1J 9HR
The Criterion Theatre, dating back to 1870, is an independent West End venue with an intimate capacity of just 588 seats. Although it’s among the smaller theaters in the area, its Grade II-listed architecture (meaning it’s of special interest) and prime Piccadilly Circus location make it popular with both tourists and local theater lovers alike. The theater hosts a variety of productions, including plays, comedies, melodramas, and musicals such as The 39 Steps and Titaníque.
The Basics
Book in advance for the theater’s current production, and benefit from a choice of packages to suit your schedule and budget, whether you’re after a midweek matinee or all-inclusive evening show. Located beneath one of London’s busiest landmarks, the theater is a top spot to unwind after hours of sightseeing. Take advantage of tours concluding on Piccadilly Circus to seamlessly check off several city attractions in one day.
Things to Know Before You Go
Guests with special access requirements must book directly through the theater.
The theater has two wheelchair-accessible spaces in the dress circle.
Headsets are provided for hearing-impaired theatergoers.
The theater has two bars and a small cloakroom; large luggage can’t be accommodated.
Take cash to avoid the 10-pound minimum for card payments.
Be prepared to walk down 54 stairs to the stalls.
How to Get There
The theater is less than a 1-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus station, and a short walk from Leicester Square and Charing Cross. Local and hop-on hop-off buses serve the major junction regularly. With a box-office-validated ticket, evening or weekend attendees who are driving can avoid the Congestion Charge and receive a 50 percent discount in the nearby Q-Park Trafalgar Square lot.
When to Get There
Matinees take place every Saturday and Sunday, while evening performances are typically scheduled daily except Monday—though some smaller productions run on this day too. If you’re there in winter, don’t miss the Leicester Square Christmas market or the festive light displays along Regent Street, both within easy reach of the Criterion.
West End Comedy
From traditional farce to modern stand-up, the West End offers plenty for comedy fans. Other popular venues include the big-name-attracting Leicester Square Theatre, the independent Covent Garden Comedy Club, and the Comedy Store—a tourist favorite visited by more than 3,500 people each week.
Ways to explore
The Criterion Theatre, like many West End venues, gets busy—especially on weekends. To secure your preferred seats, it’s best to book in advance. The theater’s main sections are Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle, with the best views usually from the center of the Stalls or the front row (seats 12–21) of the Dress Circle. Because the theater is located across from the Statue of Eros, a busy London landmark, it’s a great place to relax after sightseeing. Nearby tours ending at Piccadilly Circus make it easy to combine the theater with other city attractions in one day.
Accessibility
The Criterion Theatre is an accessible venue with a restroom and seating available in the Upper Circle for wheelchair users.
Age limits
Children under age five are not allowed in the theater.
What to pack
Small bag, e-ticket or printed ticket
What to wear
Casual clothing, extra layers because of air-conditioning
Not allowed
Recording shows, using phones or digital devices during performances, smoking
Amenities
Cloakroom, bars, pre-order bar service
Address
The theater is located in London’s West End, close to Piccadilly Circus station, and also a short walk from Leicester Square and Charing Cross. Most visitors get here by public transportation, and hop-on hop-off buses service the area regularly, too.
Driving
Most visitors arrive by public transportation as there isn’t much street parking nearby, and congestion charges apply. The nearest parking lot is Q-Park Leicester Square on Whitcomb Street.
Public transportation
It’s easy to get to the theater via the London Underground. Piccadilly Circus is across the street and is served by the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines. Leicester Square is a 10-minute walk away (Piccadilly and Northern lines).
Best times to visit
If you can, book tickets for a matinee show (usually at 3pm), as it may be less crowded.
Best days to visit
Shows usually run from Tuesdays through Sundays, but weekends can be busy, so consider coming on a weekday if possible.
Best months to visit
The best months to visit London are typically June through September, when the weather is typically pleasant for sightseeing.
Special events
If you’re visiting the theater in winter, don’t miss the festive light displays nearby, particularly along Regent Street.
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