ABOUT THE THEATRE

The Criterion Theatre is a fully restored Victorian theatre located in London’s West End beneath Piccadilly Circus.

In 1873, work was completed on the Criterion, the building, which is now Grade II listed, comprised of a restaurant, some dining rooms, a ballroom and a galleried concert hall – in the basement.

The theatre opened on the 21st of March 1874 to very little critical acclaim with a double bill consisting of An American Lady, written and performed by Henry J Byron and Topsyturveydom, by W. S. Gilbert with music by Alfred Cellier.

Fortunately, the lukewarm reception of the first productions didn’t put an untimely end to the theatre, which has gone on to play host to a plethora of commercial and critical successes over the years.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Finding the Criterion should present no significant problem. Thanks to its convenient Central London location there are an abundance of public transport links.

By Tube

The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines), which is a 1-minute walk away, or there’s Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines), which is a 3 minute walk away, or Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines) which is a 5-minute walk away,

By Rail

Charing Cross Railway Station is a 5-minute walk away.

By Bus

There are a number of buses that stop close to the theatre. They are the 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159 and 453.

By Bike

Santander bike hire docking stations can be found close by Piccadilly Station.