British Theatre

Venue

2 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 4XA

Criterion Theatre

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

Het Criterion Theatre is een prachtig Londens theater dat prominent aanwezig is op British Theatre. Ontdek de nieuwste voorstellingen, praktische informatie over de zaal en handige tips voor het boeken van tickets voor uw volgende bezoek. Sinds de opening op 21 maart 1874 heeft The Criterion Theatre een rijke historie opgebouwd. In de vroege jaren stonden er tal van musicals en kluchten van W.S. Gilbert op het programma, waaronder 'Haste to the Wedding', het theaterdebuut van George Grossmith Jr. In 1883 moest het theater tijdelijk de deuren sluiten voor hoognodige renovaties, waarbij onder meer een modern ventilatiesysteem werd geïnstalleerd om de ondergrondse zaal van frisse lucht te voorzien. Een iconisch moment volgde in 1936 met de première van 'French Without Tears'. Dit stuk was goed voor meer dan duizend voorstellingen en betekende de grote doorbraak voor de jonge toneelschrijver Terence Rattigan. Tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog deed het theater dienst als studio voor de BBC; dankzij de ondergrondse ligging was het de ideale veilige haven om radio-uitzendingen voor de natie te verzorgen. In de naoorlogse jaren verwelkomde het Criterion twee grote transfers van het Arts Theatre: Anouilhs 'The Waltz of the Toreadors' en Becketts meesterwerk 'Waiting for Godot'. Nadat het theater in de jaren 70 en 80 ternauwernood aan sluiting ontsnapte, volgde tussen 1989 en 1992 een grondige modernisering. Dit gebeurde direct na de laatste voorstelling van de langlopende succeskomedie 'Run For Your Wife' van Ray Cooney. Van 1996 tot 2005 was het theater de thuisbasis van de Reduced Shakespeare Company, bekend om hun komische vogelvlucht door de geschiedenis van Amerika, de Bijbel en het complete oeuvre van de Bard. Na enkele kortere producties (zoals 'What the Butler Saw', 'Otherwise Engaged' en 'Mack and Mabel'), maakte 'The 39 Steps' de overstap vanuit het Tricycle Theatre. Deze bekroonde productie is inmiddels al meer dan zeven jaar een vaste waarde in het Londense West End. 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 januari 2006)What the Butler Saw (24 augustus 2005 – 22 oktober 2005)The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (7 maart 1996 – 3 april 2005) 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453 Drempelvrije entree en rolstoelplaatsen zijn beschikbaar. In de gang bij de parketstoelen (stalls) bevindt zich een aangepast toilet. ASSISTENTIE BIJ VOORSTELLINGEN:Zijn er voorzieningen voor slechthorenden? De gehele zaal is uitgerust met een infraroodsysteem, waarbij gebruik kan worden gemaakt van zowel ringleidings- als conventionele headsets. Assistentiehonden zijn niet toegestaan in de zaal, maar het theaterpersoneel kan tijdens de voorstelling op maximaal twee honden passen in het kantoor van de locatiemanager. Er worden ook voorstellingen met audiobeschrijving aangeboden. Neem voor meer informatie rechtstreeks contact op met het theater. Wanneer Céline Dion en Titanic samenkomen, is lachen gegarandeerd! Deze met een Olivier Award bekroonde musicalcomedy meert aan in het Criterion Theatre met krankzinnige humor en indrukwekkende stemmen. Boek nu je tickets voor Titanique en beleef de grappigste avond van West End! Wees er als eerste bij voor de beste tickets, exclusieve aanbiedingen en het laatste nieuws uit West End. U kunt zich op elk gewenst moment afmelden. Privacybeleid

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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