The very first ‘First Night’ of the Criterion Theatre was March 21st 1874 with a programme including HJ Byron’s An American Lady and Topseyturveydom, a piece by W S Gilbert. Following extensive redevelopment of the whole Criterion site on Piccadilly Circus in the late 80's and early 90's, The Criterion Theatre Trust took on the theatre lease with performances by Ennio Marchetto commencing on the 10th October 1992. The coming decades see huge successes, including almost decade-long runs from the Reduced Shakespeare Company and The 39 Steps. Four years of The Comedy About A Bank Robbery come to an abrupt end in March 2020 when the theatre closes in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
When theatreland re-opens, audiences crave feel-good vibes and the Criterion delivers with the musical Amelie, followed by a joyous take on Jane Austin's masterpiece, Price and Prejudice (sort of). Now the Criterion is home to 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!
Seating
The auditorium is fairly intimate and offers good views throughout, with all seats feeling close to the stage. Premium seats are located in the front row of the Dress Circle in seats 12-21, with central Stalls seating also being excellent. Best value seats are in the front row of the Upper Circle in seats towards the ends of the rows for a superb view of the stage on a hugely discounted price.
Facilities
The Criterion is a small, 590 seat auditorium with two bars, the Lord Attenborough Bar on the Dress Circle Level and the Bourne Bar on Stalls Level. The bars serve wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks alongside confectionery, snacks and ice cream. The theatre is fully air-conditioned.
Accessibility
The Criterion Theatre is an underground theatre and the main access to all levels is via stairs. Unfortunately there is no lift, however step free access can be provided upon request. An induction loop system is available, assistance dogs are welcome and an accessible lavatory is available. Please contact the box office team on 0207 839 8811 for any help and assistance.
The Criterion is currently home to Titanique musical until January 2026
Details
- Address:
- Criterion Theatre
- W1V 9LB
- Transport:
- Tube-Piccadilly Circus tube station, exit 4 Bus-Regent street/St James - outside Tesco 12, 88, 94, 453, N3, N15