Criterion Theatre

Criterion Theatre is a London theatre venue featured on British Theatre. Explore upcoming shows

practical venue guidance

and ticket-booking insights before your visit.

Opening on 21 March 1874

The Criterion Theatre spent its early years presenting several musicals and farces by W. S. Gilbert. The final piece

Haste to the Wedding

would introduce George Grossmith Jr. to the world of theatre. The theatre closed in 1883 for demanded alterations and refurbishments

which included pumping fresh air into the underground auditorium. In 1936

the theatre hosted French Without Tears

which ran for over a thousand performances and launched the career of a young Terrance Rattigan. Throughout World War 2

the theatre served as a studio for the BBC; its underground location making it the perfect safe spot to broadcast programmes to the nation. The post-war years at the theatre saw two major productions transfer from the Arts Theatre

Anouih’s The Waltz of the Toreadors and Becket’s Waiting for Godot. After avoiding closure in the 1970s and 80’s

the theatre was renovated between 1989 and 1992

after the closure of the long running success Run For Your Wife (a farce by Ray Cooney). From 1996 to 2005

the theatre was home to the productions of the Reduced Shakespeare Company

who produced comical shows on the History of America

The Bible

and the works of the bard. After a couple of short run productions (including

What the Butler Saw

Otherwise Engaged

and Mack and Mabel)

The 39 Steps transferred from the Tricycle Theatre. The show has been successfully running for over seven years.

Close To You (October 3, 2015 -)
The 39 Steps (September 20, 2006 – September 5, 2015)
Mack & Mabel (April 10, 2006 – July 1, 2006)
Otherwise Engaged (October 28, 2005 – January 28, 2006)
What the Butler Saw (August 24, 2005 – October 22, 2005)
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
(March 7, 1996 – April 3, 2005)

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS:

Step free entrance and wheelchair spaces available.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available in the stalls corridor.

ASSISTED PERFORMANCES:Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium with both loop and conventional headsets.

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Assistance dogs are not allowed into the auditorium but theatre staff are able to look after up to two dogs per performance in the Theatre Manager’s office. Audio described performances are also offered.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.