The Criterion Theatre image

The Criterion Theatre

Tourist attraction Event venue Performing arts theater Theater company Stage

Victorian theatre with preserved auditorium, largely underground,for long-running plays. People often mention theatre, show, great, beautiful, good, stage, experience, underground, Piccadilly, seats,


Address

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

Website

www.criterion-theatre.co.uk

Contact

+44 20 7839 8811

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (3.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: theatre (33) show (23) great (9) beautiful (9) good (9) stage (8) experience (8) underground (7) Piccadilly (7) seats (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Angie G. 1 year ago on Google
    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!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anne Y. W. 1 year ago on Google
    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.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gabriel M. 5 months ago on Google
    I watched the show Unbelievable and it was a very interesting night. The theater by itself is a nice place with confortables chairs, good bathrooms and in general a nice environment. As the show, unfortunately, I left the theater a little disappointed. There are very nice sets in the show that really surprised me, but nothing is really mind-blowing. If you are lucky to be called on stage, your experience probably will be a lot more positive. It's definitely a good option if you are nearby on Leicester Square, but in my opinion not a must-watch.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danae B. 9 months ago on Google
    Came to see Bleak Expectations, which was excellent. Very funny and brilliantly acted. Theatre is close to Eros, Picadilly. Easy to get to but lots of stairs inside. Beautifully decorated although some of the tiling is reminiscent on a public toilet. Reasonable leg room in the seats and good acoustics.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thats M. 4 months ago on Google
    Went to see Darren Brown's Unbelievable a few weeks' ago. This is a gem of a theatre and until I got there, I didn't know it was underground. The decorative art deco staircase leading to the theatre is beautiful. The theatre itself is well designed and moderate in size, meaning not excessively big. The location is fantastic as it is next to Piccadilly Circus tube station. It so happens that a branch of Masala Zone, one of our favourite restaurants has opened next door so we were able to go there too. Agreat day out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Louise H. 8 months ago on Google
    Such a beautiful little gem of a theatre. We had mid stall seats and had a great view. It's a small theatre which I loved. We saw Bleak Expectations which was magic!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Donovan S. 8 months ago on Google
    I came to see Bleak Expectations, I really enjoyed my experience...I've never been to this theater before, it's very nice. It is quite intimate and this seems to work. I knocked off a star as when I was in line waiting to purchase some goods, the person behind the bar finished serving someone, and without any explanation then walked off and went to greet what looked like some friends leaving me and my partner to wait an extra few minutes before eventually being served by someone else. It's quite pricey which unfortunately is to be expected of theatre bars these days, so I'd suggest bringing your own snacks. Otherwise just go and enjoy your show
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M. U. 2 years ago on Google
    It was our first musical after covid lockdowns. I was hesitant about safety. But everything was well planned with temperature checks at the gate, reduced capacity with empty chairs, service to chair, etc. And all guests were wearing their masks at all times. Felt much comfortable than I thought. Thanks to all employees who made this possible. ❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chantelle T. 9 months ago on Google
    We came as a group to see ‘Bleak Expectations’. An excellent production, exactly what I’d hoped it would be. Superb melodramatic acting and many really funny scenes. The theatre. Very curious about this theatre as it’s all underground. Lots of curved steps. Plenty of ladies toilets but they are over the circle and you have to cross back to get to the upper circle again. Quirky and interesting theatre with great sight lines. Highly recommend #bleakexpectations. #criterion
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Angus H. 2 years ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Oana J. 2 years ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bob 1 year ago on Google
    We went to see 2:22 A Ghost Story here and it was fantastic. 2/7/22.The Theatre is basically underground several floors down so there are quiet a few stairs. It is very ornate in design and beautiful. Staff are very helpful and friendly. Website was well organised for booking tickets and ordering interval drinks. We had seats AA29 AA28 Dress circle at the left of the stage, although you had to lean forward a little to see, they were very good value and I would book again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 J N. 6 months ago on Google
    Impressions of the Venue: Pros: - The venue's aesthetics were pleasing, especially the stained glass above the bar. - The Derren Brown show, while enjoyable, had moments of cheesiness. - Convenient parking with free Sunday access. Cons: - The seating was functional but uncomfortable due to tight spacing. - The bar's limited beer selection, primarily offering tiny cans, left something to be desired. Having at least one draft beer option would be an improvement.

  • 5/5 Elaine F. 3 months ago on Google New
    An adorable little theatre steeped in history. Made the show “unbelievable” more intimate for the audience. Can’t really sit anywhere and not get a good view!

  • 5/5 Ugur Rico A. 5 months ago on Google
    It's always a pleasure to visit this theatre. Very beautiful venue with great history. It's so close to many restaurants and bars to visit before and after the play. Went to see ‘Not supposed to happen here’ a turkish stand up show. It was a great experience but once again!

  • 4/5 Stephanie G. 9 months ago on Google
    A beautiful theatre, right next to Piccadilly station. I was in the stalls, so you can sometimes hear the sound of the tube, whenever they are going or coming from the station. But you can still enjoy the show, and you will not be distracted. I will definitely come back again.

  • 5/5 Asher L. 3 months ago on Google New
    What a gem! A beautiful underground theatre with lots of character. Staff were very helpful and friendly. The show was Unbelievable and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. The musical talent of the cast is incredible. A great show all round!

  • 5/5 Gary S. 1 year ago on Google
    What an interesting venue. I went to see 2:22 and loved the theatre. Its underground and twisty stairs lead to a glorious stage and theatre. Suffering from vertigo I and being right at the top and on the back row I was a little apprehensive but the way the seats are elevated I was fine. Great venue for the play, very good pricing on drinks and food.

  • 5/5 Loredana Irina M. 5 months ago on Google
    I recently had the enchanting opportunity to attend a Musical and Magical Performance, in this beautiful theatre, and I can't express how spellbinding it was. The fusion of live music and mesmerizing magic left me utterly captivated from start to finish. The musical talent on display was awe-inspiring. The musicians played their instruments with such precision and passion that every note seemed to dance through the air. The range of musical styles, from classical compositions to modern pop hits, showcased their versatility and skill. The synergy between the performers and the live orchestra created a harmonious experience that resonated deep within my soul. What truly set this performance apart was the infusion of magic throughout the show. The magician seamlessly intertwined illusions and sleight of hand with the music, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. I found myself on the edge of my seat, trying to unravel the mysteries presented before me, only to be left in wonder and amazement. The stage design was a masterpiece in itself, transforming from one enchanting scene to another with seamless transitions. The lighting and visual effects enhanced the magic, taking us on a journey through a mystical world. The performers themselves were not only immensely talented but also radiated charisma and charm. Their interactions with the audience added an intimate and personal touch to the show, making us feel like we were part of this enchanting experience. Overall, this Musical and Magical Performance was a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind spectacle that left me in awe. It was a night filled with wonder, beauty, and pure, unadulterated magic. I would highly recommend this show to anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable entertainment experience. It's a performance that will linger in your memory long after the final notes have faded into the night.

  • 4/5 Samantha B. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely old theatre, I love the playwright names on the tiles. You can hear the nearby subway when trains come into the station, which adds to the atmosphere. We had seats towards the back in the stalls, and the pillars in front can restrict the view a little.

  • 4/5 Toby O. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely little theatre next to Eros in Piccadilly. The decor is fantastic and has a very intimate feel. Quite a small stage but that gives you a great view of everything going on. As with many theatres, only the queuing for toilets was an issue at the interval, otherwise 5*

  • 5/5 Pawel M. 2 years ago on Google
    Quite an intimate, small place, entrance right off Piccadilly Circus. Convenient access by subway, literally 50 meters from the exit. Interestingly it seems to be located mostly underground. There is good visibilty from almost anywhere due to the size of the place, although there are a few pillars so do check seat reviews before booking. The front boxes may also require leaning out. All in all, good experience.

  • 5/5 Geir B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great venue. Watched 2:22, which is the vest theatre show I've ever seen. Perfection, can't fault the show or the actors in any way. And Criterion provided the perfect stage for the play

  • 4/5 Sana K. 1 year ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Jean B. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing show.. Staff so friendly and helpful... Great with disabled.. Went above and beyond...

  • 3/5 Jim T. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely theatre but back row seats were worse than restricted, they were uncomfortably bad. Extra star given for the way the young staff handled a heart attack in the middle of the show. They were incredible.

  • 5/5 Taunton W. 2 years ago on Google
    As transfers go, the transfer of Amélie from the big screen to a stage musical, is one of the very best. I had seen this show in Exeter and in Edinburgh and was excited about its transfer to the West End. It was a resounding success with some terrific tweaks to the performance. The Criterion is a lovely venue for it and I was very impressed with the way the staff welcomed us, conducted bag search and inspected tickets all with a smile. We were shown to our seats and guided to the bathrooms and the bar. The impression was that the front of house staff were as excited to be back in the theatre as we were in the audience. It was a lovely touch when Audrey Brisson (Amélie) acknowledged them during the curtain call. It's a lovely, historic theatre, situated on Piccadilly Circus. We enjoyed reading the tiled walls on the way down to the stalls and I greatly appreciated the extravagant legroom (better even than Premium Economy). All up, a very enjoyable return to the theatre. Thank you, Criterion and the cast and creative team of Amélie.

  • 5/5 Rebecca S. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely historic theatre, great staff especially Sarah at the ticket kiosk

  • 4/5 Philip H. 2 years ago on Google
    Quaint little theatre in the middle of picadilly circus.

  • 4/5 Aurora 2 years ago on Google
    Love this theatre. Small but gorgeous decor. It does get insanely warm when watching a show, especially when wearing a mask so be prepared. Was easy to preorder drinks and they were where stated. The staff were helpful and polite. Overall a good time had by all.


Call +44 20 7839 8811 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

lastminute.com London Eye image
1
lastminute.com London Eye
Ferris wheel
👍👍 It was a wonderful experience you can see the whole of London from every angle worth a visit. The history lessons about the London Eye and views from the top are amazing. It is another iconic symbol of London and England. You should definitely visit.
4.50 (171.9K reviews)
Tower Bridge image
2
Tower Bridge
Bridge
Panoramic views from high-level walkways and behind-the-scenes access to original lifting machinery.
4.80 (152.4K reviews)
The British Museum image
3
The British Museum
Museum
Huge showcase for global antiquities, including Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek sculptures.
4.70 (149.2K reviews)
Camden Market image
4
Camden Market
Market
Eclectic market with youthful vibe and stalls/shops selling fashion and accessories, music and more.
4.60 (123.3K reviews)
Trafalgar Square image
5
Trafalgar Square
Plaza
Nelson's Column rises above this iconic square's LED-lit fountains, artworks and lion statues.
4.60 (122.1K reviews)
Last updated:
()