The Criterion Theatre 218-223 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HR
About the Business
The Criterion Theatre is a renowned establishment located at a coveted address in the heart of London. Situated at 218-223 Piccadilly, St. James's, the theatre has been a point of interest and a tourist attraction since its inception in 1874.
The Criterion Theatre has a long-standing reputation for excellence in theatre productions of various genres, including comedy, drama, and musicals. It has played host to some of the most talented actors, playwrights, and directors, making it an institution of great repute in the entertainment industry.
The theatre's architecture is a marvel in and of itself, designed by Thomas Verity in the Italianate style. The grand entrance arch and the impressive façade of the building still contain many of the original features, including the ornate balconies and a beautiful stained-glass window. The venue is a listed building, retaining its Victorian charm whilst also providing modern comfort and technology for the enjoyment of visitors.
With a seating capacity of over 590, the theatre offers a diverse range of shows and events, catering to patrons of all ages and tastes. Its intimate setting and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems create an immersive experience that transports the audience into the world of the production.
Theatre-goers can also indulge in pre-theatre dining and drinks at the Criterion's restaurant and bar. The restaurant offers a tempting selection of dishes using high-quality ingredients, whilst the bar features an extensive collection of wines, spirits, and cocktails.
Over the years, The Criterion Theatre has cemented itself as a must-visit destination in London. For locals and tourists alike, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience. A visit to this iconic establishment is not just about enjoying a show, but about becoming a part of the theatre's rich history and legacy.
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Location & Phone number
218-223 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9HR, United Kingdom
Reviews
"It’s a lovely theatre to watch a show. The location is great, just outside Piccadilly Circus station, easy to travel to. The interior design is elegant and beautiful, staffs are welcoming and helpful. I got a ticket at stall, the view is great. I have enjoyed watching 2:22 Ghost Story on last Saturday afternoon. One of my best experiences watching a show in West ends."
"Cute little old theatre that also boasts a lot of history. I went to watch 2:22 a ghost story here. Loved the experience of the play and the theatre and would definitely go again to watch more plays! They should add more items to the menu though. My husband and I don't drink alcohol and there weren't many options for other drinks so we just ended up with water and a diet coke. Also, not much choice for eating items."
"The theatre is gorgeous and typical Victorian theatre. It's underground so steps down to all levels. It's quite small theatre compared to some others. We went to see 2:22 with Tom Felton and Mandip Gill. For a change the tickets weren't overpriced so we were in stalls row B. Super close up for Tom! All 4 main actors were fab! Totally loved it - no story spoilers. Highly recommend you go see this!"
"The Criterion is a beautifully restored Art Nouveau former concert hall now converted into a theatre. It’s one of the West End’s smaller theatres and so doesn’t tend to stage the bigger shows and musicals. It’s situated right on Piccadilly Circus. As at March 2022 it’s staging Death Drop - a farce with some of the stars from the UK version of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. If you get the chance the interior is worth seeing."
"Watched Death Drop. Well, 3 stars may not be totally representative of the performance as I'm clearly not the target audience. If you watched a couple of episodes of RuPaul and enjoyed it, doesn't necessarily mean this is for you. Crude, camp and colorful, it was definitely more dramatic comendy than murder mystery. Whilst I won't be choosing a Drag show again, I did find this show entertaining and some of the characters pretty cleverly written. The venue was really lovely, beautiful architecture."
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