British Theatre

Venue

2 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 4XA

Criterion Theater

4.6 · 3.7k Google reviews

The Criterion Theatre is a West End theatre at Piccadilly Circus in the City of Westminster, and is a Grade II* listed building. It has a seating capacity of 588.

Photos via Google. Attributions: Jorge Adames, Mark Kirkham, Stephen de Souza, K S

Current attached shows

1

Google rating

4.6 ★ (3.7k)

Venue info

Das Criterion Theatre ist ein Londoner Theater, das auf British Theatre vorgestellt wird. Entdecken Sie kommende Produktionen, praktische Hinweise zum Veranstaltungsort und Tipps zur Ticketbuchung für Ihren Besuch. Am 21. März 1874 eröffnet, verbrachte das Criterion Theatre seine frühen Jahre damit, mehrere Musicals und Farcen von W. S. Gilbert zu zeigen. Das letzte Stück, Haste to the Wedding, stellte der Theaterwelt George Grossmith Jr. vor. 1883 schloss das Haus für dringend geforderte Umbauten und Renovierungen – darunter auch ein System, das Frischluft in den unterirdischen Zuschauerraum pumpte. 1936 war das Theatre Spielstätte von French Without Tears, das über tausend Vorstellungen lief und die Karriere des jungen Terence Rattigan ins Rollen brachte. Während des Zweiten Weltkriegs diente das Haus als Studio für die BBC; seine Lage unter der Erde machte es zum idealen, sicheren Ort, um Programme ins ganze Land zu senden. In den Nachkriegsjahren wechselten zwei bedeutende Produktionen vom Arts Theatre ans Criterion: Anouilhs The Waltz of the Toreadors und Becketts Warten auf Godot. Nachdem das Theatre in den 1970er- und 1980er-Jahren einer Schließung entging, wurde es zwischen 1989 und 1992 renoviert – nach dem Ende des langjährigen Publikumserfolgs Run For Your Wife (eine Farce von Ray Cooney). Von 1996 bis 2005 war das Haus die Heimat der Produktionen der Reduced Shakespeare Company, die komische Shows über die Geschichte Amerikas, die Bibel und die Werke des Barden auf die Bühne brachten. Nach einigen Produktionen mit kurzer Laufzeit (darunter What the Butler Saw, Otherwise Engaged und Mack and Mabel) wechselte The 39 Steps vom Tricycle Theatre ans Criterion. Die Show lief mit großem Erfolg über sieben Jahre lang. Close To You (3. Oktober 2015 –)The 39 Steps (20. September 2006 – 5. September 2015)Mack & Mabel (10. April 2006 – 1. Juli 2006)Otherwise Engaged (28. Oktober 2005 – 28. Januar 2006)What the Butler Saw (24. August 2005 – 22. Oktober 2005)The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (7. März 1996 – 3. April 2005) 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453 Stufenloser Eingang und Rollstuhlplätze verfügbar. Im Bereich der Stalls gibt es eine behindertengerechte Toilette. UNTERSTÜTZTE VORSTELLUNGEN:Gibt es Einrichtungen für Schwerhörige? Im gesamten Auditorium gibt es ein Infrarotsystem mit sowohl Induktionsschleife als auch herkömmlichen Kopfhörern. Assistenzhunde dürfen nicht mit in das Auditorium genommen werden, aber das Theaterpersonal kann bis zu zwei Hunde pro Vorstellung im Büro des Theatermanagers betreuen. Auch Audio-deskribierte Vorstellungen werden angeboten. Bitte kontaktieren Sie das Theater direkt für weitere Informationen. Wenn Céline Dion auf Titanic trifft, ist Lachmuskeltraining vorprogrammiert! Die Olivier-preisgekrönte Musicalkomödie geht im Criterion Theatre vor Anker und überzeugt mit schallendem Gelächter und mitreißenden Gesangseinlagen. Sichern Sie sich jetzt Karten für Titanique und erleben Sie den lustigsten Abend im West End! Seien Sie die Ersten, die sich die besten Tickets, exklusive Angebote und die neuesten Nachrichten aus dem West End sichern. Sie können sich jederzeit abmelden. Datenschutzrichtlinie

History

Opening on 21 March 1874, The Criterion Theatre spent its early years presenting several musicals and farces by W. S. Gilbert. The final piece, Haste to the Wedding, would introduce George Grossmith Jr. to the world of theatre. The theatre closed in 1883 for demanded alterations and refurbishments, which included pumping fresh air into the underground auditorium.

In 1936, the theatre hosted French Without Tears, which ran for over a thousand performances and launched the career of a young Terrance Rattigan. Throughout World War 2, the theatre served as a studio for the BBC; its underground location making it the perfect safe spot to broadcast programmes to the nation.

The post-war years at the theatre saw two major productions transfer from the Arts Theatre, Anouih’s The Waltz of the Toreadors and Becket’s Waiting for Godot. After avoiding closure in the 1970s and 80’s, the theatre was renovated between 1989 and 1992, after the closure of the long running success Run For Your Wife (a farce by Ray Cooney).

From 1996 to 2005, the theatre was home to the productions of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, who produced comical shows on the History of America, The Bible, and the works of the bard. After a couple of short run productions (including, What the Butler Saw, Otherwise Engaged, and Mack and Mabel), The 39 Steps transferred from the Tricycle Theatre. The show has been successfully running for over seven years.

Past performances

Close To You (October 3, 2015 -)
The 39 Steps (September 20, 2006 – September 5, 2015)
Mack & Mabel (April 10, 2006 – July 1, 2006)
Otherwise Engaged (October 28, 2005 – January 28, 2006)
What the Butler Saw (August 24, 2005 – October 22, 2005)
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
(March 7, 1996 – April 3, 2005)


Transport

Tube

Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453

Parking

Trafalgar (Q Park Scheme)

Seating plan

Criterion Theatre seating plan

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Step free entrance and wheelchair spaces available.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available in the stalls corridor.

Assisted Performances

Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium with both loop and conventional headsets.

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Assistance dogs are not allowed into the auditorium but theatre staff are able to look after up to two dogs per performance in the Theatre Manager’s office. Audio described performances are also offered.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

Shows currently at this venue

Previous productions

What visitors say

5.0 · 2 months ago
My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the TiTANiQUE, it is indeed the funniest musical in town. Each performer has been chosen for their role with care, I am sure, and together they give an absolutely sensational performance. The theater is not large, each seat is very comfortable and has a good view. The decor is simply stunning, especially in the main lobby, stairway and the bar area. The location is very near Piccadilly Circus and all main public transport.
— FLnurseER1
4.0 · 2 months ago
Irreverent, joyful, full of character. Some scenes are hilarious. Celine Dion definitely knew what happened a board of “Titanique”. Gorgeous way of spending a Sunday afternoon. We were on the stalls and the view was great. The show runs without an intermission.
— Rita Pereira
4.0 · 6 months ago
Such a fun evening at Titanique! The cast absolutely nailed every song, and the intimate theatre space makes you feel completely immersed in the show. No intervals, so grab your drinks beforehand. A few questionable trolls here and there 😂, but overall it’s a wonderful way to wind down your day.
— Antony
1.0 · a month ago
We had a lovely evening watching Titanic , show was great, but unfortunately I am extremely disappointed with how this theatre handled a lost item situation. I accidentally left my Valentino sunglasses at my seat, and after my husband Chris Burns contacted the theatre giving them my seat number , staff confirmed they had located them . We were given a specific day and time for collection. As we had already left London, we arranged for a friend to travel there on our behalf — only for them to find the place completely closed, with no one available and no response to calls or emails. Since that day, the theatre has completely stopped responding to all communication. We have been entirely ignored despite multiple attempts to follow up. This is incredibly upsetting because these sunglasses are not replaceable — they were left to me by my late mother and hold enormous sentimental value. The lack of care, accountability, and basic communication has been shocking, especially after confirming they had the item. Customer service should not end once the show is over. Being “ghosted” after making arrangements is unacceptable. We travel to London often as passionate theatre lovers, and unfortunately this theatre will now be off our list for future visits. A disappointing experience that has left a lasting negative impression.
— Mascia Bruno

Reviews sourced from Google Maps.

Live venue listings

REVIEW: 2:22 A Ghost Story, Criterion Theatre ✭✭✭✭

16 September 2022

View listing

REVIEW: Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), Criterion Theatre ✭✭✭✭

4 November 2021

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REVIEW: The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Criterion Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

25 April 2016

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REVIEW: Close To You, Criterion Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

15 October 2015

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Nearby venues

Frequently asked questions

What's on at Criterion Theatre?

The current production at Criterion Theatre is Titanique Musical. Browse and book tickets directly through British Theatre.

What's the nearest tube station to Criterion Theatre?

The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square.

Where is Criterion Theatre?

Criterion Theatre is located at 2 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 4XA.

How can I contact Criterion Theatre?

You can call Criterion Theatre on 020 7839 8811. For tickets and bookings, please use British Theatre to secure the best seats.

Is Criterion Theatre accessible?

Criterion Theatre offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, wheelchair-accessible toilets. Please contact the venue directly if you have specific access requirements.

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