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Criterion Theatre Seating Plan

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218-223 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9HR, UK

The Criterion Theatre is one of the few independent theatres in London’s West End. Actors, directors and producers always love playing the Criterion Theatre. A jewel in Piccadilly, the auditorium curves out in a very intimate manner. Audiences can experience the performers up close and personal in this 150-year-old theater. The Piccadilly Jewel Box has a uniquely magical atmosphere. With the buzzing Piccadilly Circus junction less than a minute away and Central London beckoning, Criterion Theatre is the home of independent productions and unique activity. Both inside and out. Criterion Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.

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What are the Sections Available in Criterion Theatre?

Stalls

The Stalls section is the largest in the theatre, offering 361 seats in total. It's worth noting that this section is located below ground level and has unique features, including support pillars scattered throughout, which give it an unusual shape. These pillars, positioned near rows J, M, and N, result in restricted views for rows L to S.

One important thing to know is that there are no aisles separating the seats, and the rows themselves are narrow and straight. Because of this layout, end seats often have restricted views, and there's no natural curve to the rows. Additionally, the seats in the stalls aren't raked, meaning that audience members in the front rows may obstruct the view for those in the rear.

Dress Circle

With only 159 seats, the Dress Circle is the second largest section in the theatre. The first of two elevated levels, the dress circle offers a generally great look at the stage. The great view can be attributed to the small size of the section, with only six and a half rows that curve in a horseshoe shape. Like the stalls, there are three support pillars in this section as well, which partially obstruct the view. Unlike the stalls though, the dress circle is well-raked, which means the view is not obstructed for patrons sitting in the rear rows. The overhang for the Upper Circle begins from C and the seats at the end of row C offer a restricted view and should be avoided. The dress circle has seven rows in the range of A to G with seats numbered between 1 to 29.

Upper Circle

The upper circle, the final seating section, offers a limited 65 seats spread across three rows: A, B, and C, with seat numbers ranging from 5 to 30. Centre seats in rows B and C provide an excellent view of the stage, offering a pleasant surprise. However, it's best to avoid the corner seats in these rows, as they have restricted views and poor sightlines. Row A seats are budget-friendly but offer limited legroom due to their placement.

Which Seats Provide the Best Views in the Criterion Theatre Theatre?

Criterion Theatre Seating Plan
  • Central Stalls: Seats in the central stalls section typically offer the best views of the stage without any major obstructions. Aim for seats in the middle of this section to get a clear and central view.
  • Dress Circle Row A: In the dress circle, Row A is often recommended as it provides good views and proximity to the stage. Seats 12 to 21 in Row A are considered some of the best in this section.

Which Seats Provide Value for Money in Criterion Theatre?

Criterion Theatre Seating Plan
  • Upper Circle, Row A (Middle Seats): These seats in the Upper Circle offer excellent value for money. They are in the middle of the row, providing a clear and unobstructed view of the stage.
  • Dress Circle (Middle Row Seats): Opting for seats in the middle rows of the Dress Circle can provide good value. These seats typically offer a balanced view of the stage without major obstructions.
  • Front Row of the Upper Circle: If you want an immersive experience and don't mind being a bit higher up, consider the front row of the Upper Circle. These seats often come at a lower price than stalls or Dress Circle seats.
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30-Seconds Takeaway: Criterion Theatre Theatre Seating Plan

Criterion Theatre Seating Plan
  • The Criterion Theatre is a West End theatre in London with a capacity of 585 seats. The seating plan is divided into three sections: Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle.
  • Aim for central seats in the Stalls section or seats 12 to 21 in Row A of the Dress Circle for the best views.
  • Be aware that pillars can obstruct views in various areas, so choose your seats carefully.
  • If you're looking for value-for-money seats, the middle seats in row A of the Upper Circle are a great option. They offer a great view of the stage without any obstructions, and they're usually much cheaper than the seats in the stalls or Dress Circle.
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Accessible Seating in Criterion Theatre

Criterion Theatre accessibility
  • The Criterion Theatre has two wheelchair spaces located in Row C of the Upper Circle. These seats can be accessed via a slight slope from the wheelchair entrance on Jermyn Street.
  • Step-free access is only available to the Upper Circle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criterion Theatre Theatre Seating Plan

The Criterion Theatre has three sections: Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle.