Criterion Theatre
Sections:
Theatre build date:
1873
History:
The result of an 1870 design competition, the unique dancehall complex designed by Thomas Verity still contains the famous Criterion restaurant and the unique underground Criterion Theatre. Opened in 1874 after its 1873 completion, its first production was a double feature comprised of a comedy play called An American Lady and a one act musical by WS Gilbert and Alfred Cellier. An early lessee was actor Charles Wyndham, who made the Criterion Theatre a leading venue for light comedy with its small stage and intimate capacity, and Wyndham continued in this role even after the opening of his own theatre in Leicester Square in 1898.
In 1883, the underground structure was deemed unsuitable by the Metropolitan Board of Works, and much of the theatre was restructured to allow for proper ventilation and natural light. Dressing room facilities were moved to a new structure in Jermyn Street where they remain today. However, during World War II, the Criterion was requisitioned by the BBC as a bomb-proof TV studio, reverting to theatre in 1945. Notable productions have included Musical Chairs (1936) starring John Gielgud, French Without Tears (1936) which launched the drama career of Sir Terence Rattigan and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (1996) which ran for a record breaking nine year run.
Previously showing:
Star Wars: Shortened (2006)
Mack & Mabel (2006)
Otherwise Engaged (2005)
What The Butler Saw (2005)
The Gruffalo (2005)
The Countess (2005)
Amajuba (2005)
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (1996)
Close to:
Piccadilly Circus
Contact Details
Criterion Theatre
Piccadilly Circus
W1Y 4XA
For all ticket enquiries call:
0871 789 1004
Map
Facilities
Theatre capacity:
588
Stage door location:
The Criterion Theatre’s stage door is located behind the theatre complex in Jermyn Street, between Regent Street and Haymarket.
Theatre layout:
On three levels, the Dress Circle and Upper Circle above the stalls are each supported by eight iron pillars which affect the view from the back four rows of the stalls and the back five rows of the Dress Circle. The Upper Circle is unaffected. A small theatre, the stalls and Dress Circle are arranged in single blocks, while the Upper Circle is split into two with a central aisle running from front to back.
Air conditioned:
Yes
