Tube

Piccadilly Circus.

Train

Charing Cross, Victoria and Waterloo National Rail stations.

Bus

Buses for The Criterion Theatre: 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453.

Parking

Masterparks at Whitcomb Street and Trafalgar Square. Denman Street NCP.

In 1870 following the acquisition of the 17th century White Bear Inn site, and adjoining properties between Jermyn Street and Piccadilly Circus (known as Regent Circus), caterers Spiers and Pond commissioned Thomas Verity to design a new development consisting of a large restaurant, dining rooms, ballroom, and galleried concert hall. Having commenced building work it was decided to alter the proposed concert hall, (though retaining the composers names which still line the tiled staircases to this day), to a theatre which opened on 21st March, 1874.

The first production consisted of An American Lady, written and performed by the manager Henry J Byron and a piece by W.S. Gilbert (part of the Gilbert and Sullivan) titled Topseyturveydom.

Under the management of Charles Wyndham, The Criterion became the leading comedy house in London. Between the 1st and 2nd World Wars productions included Musical Chairs with John Gielgud, and in 1936 a three year run of French Without Tears which launched the career of Terence Rattigan.

During World War 2 The Criterion was requisitioned by the BBC, as an underground theatre it was an ideal studio for light entertainment both recorded and live. After the war works such as Beckett's Waiting for Godot and pieces by Anouilh, Dario Fo and others.

In the 1970's the whole of the Criterion Theatre site was proposed for redevelopment, which caused huge protest as people feared the theatre would be lost forever. Throughout the 70's and early 80's the Equity Save London's Theatre Committee organised high profile demonstrations. Campaigners included John Gielgud, Diana Rigg, Edward Woodward, Robert Morley and Prunella Scales. Eventually the theatre's future was secured although subsequently, the theatre closed from 1989, until reopening in October 1992 while the Criterion block that stands today, was built around it. Having undergone major refurbishment both back, and front of house, The Criterion Theatre retains an almost perfectly preserved Victorian auditorium, with all of its intimacy and atmosphere. The theatre reopened with Ennio Marchetto. From 1996 to 2005 The Reduced Shakespeare Company captured audiences with their 30+ 'snippets' from Shakespeare, with one performance being performed 'backwards'! The theatre retains its Victorian auditorium which gives this theatre an intimate and atmospheric presence for artistes and audiences.

Refreshments Two Bars - Stalls and Dress Circle. Ice-cream, crisps and confectionery.