An independent theatre in London’s West End, Criterion Theatre has entered its 150th year of operation. Since opening on March 21, 1874, with Henry J. Byron’s comedy 'An American Lady' and W. S. Gilbert and Alfred Cellier’s musical 'Topseyturveydom.', the theatre has hosted thousands of plays and musicals, including Taking Sides by Ronald Harwood and Patrick Barlow’s stage adaptation of The 39 Steps by Alfred Hitchcock and Maria Aitkin. Today, the theatre is operated by the Criterion Theatre Trust, which took over the reins in 1992 to safeguard the theatre’s future.

589 Seats

Wheelchair Accessible

Accessible Toilets

Air Conditioning

Assistive Listening System

Bar

Cloakroom

Security Check

About Criterion Theatre

Seating Plan
History
Architecture
Popular Productions
  • The Criterion Theater has 589 seats.
  • There are three types of seats available for guests: Stalls, Dress Circles, and Upper Circles.
  • Each offers a different view of the stage, with each seat designed to provide a personal feel to the stage.
  • You can choose from 365 Stalls at the stage level, 159 Dress Circle seats at an elevation and 65 Upper Circle seats present at the maximum elevation from the stage.

    Criterion Theater Seating Plan >
Seatmap
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Know Before You Go

Getting There
Facilities
Accessibility
Tips & Guidelines
Nearby Restaurants

  • Tube: Piccadilly Circus on the Piccadilly Line and Bakerloo Line is a one-minute walk from Criterion. Leicester Square on the Piccadilly Line and Northern Line is around 10 minutes away, while Green Park on the Piccadilly Line and Victoria Line is approximately 10 minutes away.
  • Bus: Bus lines 12, 88, 94, 453, N3, N15, 6, 9, 139, 159, N9, N18, N97, N109, and N136 stop outside Regent Street/St James - outside Tesco. It is the closest bus stop.
  • Parking: Q-Park Leicester Square in Whitcomb Street is the nearest car park to Criterion Theater. You can get a 50% discount for up to four hours with the Society of London Theatres and Q-Park Theatreland parking scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criterion Theatre

Where is Criterion Theatre located?

Criterion Theater is on Piccadilly Circus's southeast side, by The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (Eros).

How can I reach Criterion Theatre?

You can reach Criterion Theatre by bus, tube, taxi, or private car.

What are the different types of shows and productions that are staged at the Criterion Theatre?

There are numerous types of productions staged at the Criterion Theatre such as dance performances, musicals, plays, and more. Some of the notable productions include The Waltz of the Toreadors, Tom Foolery, Run for Your Wife and more.

What are the seating options available at Criterion Theatre?

Stalls, Upper Circle, and Dress Circle are the three seating options at Criterion Theater.

Is Criterion Theatre accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, the Criterion Theatre offers a host of facilities and caters to the special requirements of people with disabilities. Some of these include wheelchair accessibility, adapted toilets, hearing assistance, captioned performances, and more.

How much do the Criterion Theatre tickets cost?

The price of the tickets depends on the show that you choose to watch and the timing of the same at the Criterion Theatre.

Where can I book my Criterion Theatre tickets?

You can book your tickets to shows playing at the Criterion Theatre online at London Theatre Tickets. You will get the best deals and discounts and all the information you need at your fingertips.

Are there any dining options available near Criterion Theatre?

Yes. Several dining options are available near Criterion Theater. Ham Yard Restaurant, Olives and Meze Soho, and Rowley's Restaurant are a few dining options near Criterion Theater.

What are some of the things to do or attractions to explore near the Criterion Theatre?

Criterion Theatre is very conveniently located in London and is close to numerous tourist spots including Trafalgar Square, St James' Park, Buckingham Palace and more.

Past Shows