Criterion Theatre
Nearby
Email to a friend
-
Visitor Information
- Images
The tiny entrance of the Criterion Theatre is almost invisible among the massive advertisements, traffic and crowds of Piccadilly Circus. To ignore it, however, is to miss one of London's most enchanting theatres. Use of mirrors and stunning murals of clouds and cherubs turns this underground labyrinth into an airy paradise. It has shown a wide variety of fare since it opened in 1974, including the first UK production of Beckett's Waiting for Godot (1955). The Criterion's greatest successes have always come from bawdy comedy. A Little Bit of Fluff (1915) was blamed for the destruction of the public's morals with its brief flash of a woman's unclothed leg: it ran for 1241 performances. Run for Your Wife outdid this with a seven year run in the 1980s, and it recently played host to the Reduced Shakespeare Company, who performed their Complete Works of William Shakespeare more than 2000 times.
Criterion Theatre images
Criterion Theatre
LondonTown.com - Criterion Theatre Location Map
Underground Stations
Railway Stations
Further articles featuring Criterion Theatre on LondonTown.com
Plan the perfect year in the capital with our pick of the best events in London 2019. From January to December, every month boasts an impressive line-up of entertainment. So take a look at our guide and be sure not to miss a thing.
Booking multiple rooms?
Visit our group bookings page or call 020 7437 4370 for assistance
Room 1
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel from £283 33% off
68 Regent Street, W1B | 2 minutes from Criterion Theatre
Café Royal is a 160-bedroom 5-star luxury hotel on Regent Street, in London's city centre overlooking Piccadilly Circus. The hotel has conference facilities, a cafe, bar ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel from £50 25% off
Coventry Street, W1D | 2 minutes from Criterion Theatre
Located right next to Leicester Square, in the heart of London's West End, the Every Hotel Piccadilly is the perfect hotel for those wanting to enjoy ... More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel from £199 40% off
21 Piccadilly, W1J | 2 minutes from Criterion Theatre
A hotel that is distinctly in the old English style, with magnificent antique décor, staff who are attentive, discreet, and ever so polite and, most importantly, ... More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Coventry Street, Soho, London W1D | 2 minutes from Criterion Theatre
Theatres have stood on this spot since 1884, perfectly placed to draw the attention of the great crowds moving between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. The ... More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London W1D | 2 minutes from Criterion Theatre
From the outside, the Gielgud Theatre is an impressive sight, towering four storeys over Shaftesbury Avenue, its height further emphasized by the turret on top. The ... More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Haymarket, SW1Y | 3 minutes from Criterion Theatre
The Haymarket Theatre was built by John Potter on the site of the King's Head Inn and the Gun Smith shop in 1702. It has had ... More
London > Entertainment >
22-32 Shaftesbury Avenue, Trocadero, W1D | 1 minute from Criterion Theatre
From spring 2019 the Crystal Maze LIVE Experience comes to the West End. After three successful years in Angel, Islington (open until 28th ... More
London > Entertainment > Cinemas
7-14 Coventry Street, Soho, London W1D | 1 minute from Criterion Theatre
A vast and much needed improvement on the old Cineworld cinema in the Trocodero, Picturehouse Central opened in June 2015 and was treated to a full ... More
London > Entertainment > Comedy Clubs
1a Oxendon Street, Soho, London SW1Y | 2 minutes from Criterion Theatre
The Comedy Store is the spiritual home of stand-up in the UK. Despite being the best large comedy venue in the country, the Store still succeeds ... More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 16th May to 10th August 2019
Criterion Theatre, Charing Cross Road, WC2H | 5 minutes from Criterion Theatre
Hollywood star and multiple Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick makes his West End debut at Wyndham's Theatre opposite Elizabeth McGovern from Downton Abbey. The star of ...More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 5th February to 27th April 2019
Criterion Theatre, Charing Cross Road, WC2H | 5 minutes from Criterion Theatre
This February, Wyndham's Theatre presents a new adaptation of Arthur Miller's The Price as a 50th anniversary celebration of the work. Directed by Jonathan Church, the ...More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 24th April to 20th July 2019
Criterion Theatre, St Martins Lane, WC2N | 6 minutes from Criterion Theatre
Tom Burke, the actor who plays detective Cormoran Strike in the BBC series based on JK Rowling's crime novels, and Hayley Atwell (a familiar face from ...More
Sights and Attractions near Criterion Theatre
London > Attractions > Sights
Piccadilly Circus, Soho, London W1J | 1 minute from Criterion Theatre
Right in the middle of the West End, Piccadilly Circus isn't a circus at all, but an enormous road junction where Piccadilly itself Regent Street, Shaftesbury ... More
London > Attractions >
St James's, SW1Y | 2 minutes from Criterion Theatre
An impressive 450 million pound development in the heart of London, St James's Market ... More
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
Brewer Street, Soho, London W1F | 2 minutes from Criterion Theatre
A new gallery space dedicated to light art. ... More
London > Shopping > Food and Drink Shops
5 Denman Place, Soho, London W1D | 1 minute from Criterion Theatre
With specially sourced and blended teas and tisanes, working with multigenerational tea makers around the world, from Lithuania, Guatemala and France to India, Egypt and Japan, ... More
London > Shopping > Opticians
2 Denman Place, Ham Yard Village, Soho, London W1D | 1 minute from Criterion Theatre
Specialising in a one-to-one, high-spec/tech styling and custom-made service for handmade glasses and sunglasses, Eyewear Concierge has over 700 pairs of the highest quality independent eyewear ... More
Restaurants near Criterion Theatre
London > Restaurants > Modern European restaurants
224 Piccadilly, Soho, London W1J | 1 minute from Criterion Theatre
What makes the Criterion special is its truly spectacular neo-Byzantine interior which has been wowing diners ever since its doors swung open in 1873. Positioned in ... More
London > Restaurants > American restaurants
20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London W1D | 1 minute from Criterion Theatre
A tropical paradise for kids, at this buzzy cafe you can enjoy organic food in the company of animatronic animals and with the sounds of the ... More
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
Unit 4, Piccadilly Circus Underground Station, St James's, London W1J | 1 minute from Criterion Theatre
Following in the successful footsteps of well respected coffee shops Shoreditch Grind and Soho Grind, Piccadilly Grind delivers quality coffee to commuters on the tube. Raising ... More
London > Education > Universities and Colleges
24 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, WC2H | 8 minutes from Criterion Theatre
The London Film School is the oldest-established international school of film technique in the world. The school has contributed significantly to ... More
London > Education > Cookery Courses
15B Little Portland Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W | 11 minutes from Criterion Theatre
Awarded The Best City Cookery School 2013, the Cookery School at Little Portland Street has been teaching people to make simple, honest food for more than ... More
London > Education > English Language Courses
10 Coptic Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1A | 11 minutes from Criterion Theatre
English [Out There!] takes a very hands-on approach to learning English. The course places an emphasis on using what you have learned. Students are taken out ... More
Leisure near Criterion Theatre
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
10 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1D | 2 minutes from Criterion Theatre
On the 6th floor of the W London the AWAY Spa certainly takes you away from the manic pace of life in Leicester Square ... More
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
6 Waterloo Place, St James's, London SW1Y | 5 minutes from Criterion Theatre
Opened in July 2009, So SPA by Sofitel is a stunning relaxation space - all marble and modern design - housed within the Sofitel St James ... More
Nightlife near Criterion Theatre
London > Nightlife > Bars
41 Great Windmill Street, W1D | 1 minute from Criterion Theatre
Taking its name from teenage boxer 'Kid Mears' (real name Jack Solomons), who found fame and money in British boxing's golden years after ... More
London > Nightlife >
215-217 Piccadilly, St James's, London W1J | 1 minute from Criterion Theatre
The team behind Madame Jojo's (RIP) return (hurrah!) with The Electric Carousel on the site where the legendary Pigalle Supper Club used to be, at 215-217 ... More
Meeting venue hire near Criterion Theatre
London > Business > Venue Hire
1 Suffolk Place, St James's, London SW1Y | 3 minutes from Criterion Theatre
A hip designer hotel by Tim and Kit Kemp in a grand building on the prestigious Haymarket, the broad boulevard street making for an impressive entrance. ... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
195 Piccadilly, St James's, London W1J | 3 minutes from Criterion Theatre
The home of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is also available to hire for your own event. The iconic building at 195 ... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
24-26 Leicester Square, Soho, London WC2H | 4 minutes from Criterion Theatre
One of London's biggest cinemas, the Odeon Leicester Square regularly plays host to premieres and awards ceremonies as well as screening the week's big releases. Aside ... More
Also in Piccadilly
Our recommendations in the same street as Criterion Theatre
|
Hotels Near Criterion Theatre What's On Today Near Criterion Theatre  Crystal Maze LIVE Experience West End Exhibitions | Until 30th June 2019 The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience West End 1 minute walk from Criterion Theatre From spring 2019 the Crystal Maze LIVE Experience comes to the West End. After three successful years in Angel, Islington ...More  Thriller Live Theatre | Until 29th September 2019 Lyric Shaftesbury Avenue 1 minute walk from Criterion Theatre Michael Jackson's untimely death may have propelled this musical into orbit; Thriller - Live became a tribute show overnight with ...More The Best In Stand-Up Comedy | On 18th April 2019 Comedy Store 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Intelligent stand-up and storytelling from qualified GP, cricket fan and regular Chaser on ITV panel show The Chase, Paul Sinha. ...More The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time Theatre | Until 27th April 2019 Piccadilly Theatre 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Teenager Christopher, who has Asperger's syndrome, tries to solve the mystery of his neighbour's dead dog but he is ill-prepared ...More  Everybody's Talking About Jamie Theatre | Until 28th September 2019 Apollo Theatre 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Tom MacRae's musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie transfers to London's Apollo Theatre after an acclaimed run at the Sheffield Theatre. ...More  Betrayal Theatre | Until 8th June 2019 Harold Pinter Theatre 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Tom Hiddleston, star of The Night Manager, returns to the London stage following his acclaimed Hamlet directed by Kenneth Branagh. ...More Titans of Sci-Fi: Alastair Reynolds, Emma Newman and Temi Oh in conversation with Pat Cadigan Exhibitions | On 18th April 2019 Waterstone's - Piccadilly 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Alastair Reynolds, Emma Newman and Temi Oh will be joining us for our second Titans of Sci-Fi panel event, highlighting ...More Peppa Pig Events Exhibitions | On 18th April 2019 Waterstone's - Piccadilly 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Join us in your local Waterstones as we celebrate 15 years of Peppa Pig books!...More Eggcellent Crafts Exhibitions | Until 20th April 2019 Waterstone's - Piccadilly 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Come visit our children floor this spring and ask our team for some Easter Craft Activities! We have some lovely ...More Duck Tales Exhibitions | On 18th April 2019 Waterstone's - Piccadilly 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Join our children booksellers for a thrilling storytelling session: we'll read stories about ducks, chicks and other feathered friends! You'll ...More New on LondonTown  Suzi Tros Dining Greek neighbourhood restaurant Suzi Tros covers the whole of Northern Greek cuisine....More  Flamboree Dining Bringing a taste of Alsace to London, Flamboree offers a contemporary spin on this quintessential ...More  O ver St James's Dining Launched in 2016 by Mauro Palomba, 'O ver is a Neapolitan street food restaurant which ...More  Hello Darling Dining A restaurant by 2013 Masterchef winner Natalie Coleman, a botanical bar and theatrical event spaces....More  No.5 Social Dining In spring 2019 Jason Atherton's Little Social, on this Mayfair spot since 2013, closed to ...More  Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell Theatre | From 7th May Soho institution Norman's Coach & Horses becomes a theatre in a stand against Fullers by ...More The Comedy Of Errors Theatre | From 6th May The Lord Chamberlain's Men present Shakespeare's most riotous and farcical play, in which merchants, masters, parents, servants and a long-suffering wife find themselves comically entwined. Staging The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare's Globe presents one pair ...More The Merry Wives Of Windsor Theatre | From 17th May Shakespeare's well-known comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor, is about Sir John Falstaff setting about improving his financial situation by wooing Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. Staged at ...More  Ed Sheeran Live at The Haymarket Concerts | On 14th July Ed Sheeran comes to London this July to ...More  The May Fair Kids Events | From 5th May Bringing the seaside to London, The May Fair will take over Grosvenor Square for two ...More  Easter Bottomless Brunch at Flesh and Buns Foodie Events | From 19th April Both branches of Flesh and Buns - Covent ...More  BBC Music Introducing Live Exhibitions | From 31st October Pitched towards anyone aspiring to get into the ...More  Feaster at New Street Grill Foodie Events | From 19th April New Street Grill presents four days of feasting ...More  Easter Brunch at Bluebird White City Foodie Events | From 19th April Serving brunch every day of the Easter weekend, ...More  Lyaness Drinking Replacing Dandelyan, officially the World's Best Bar 2018, Lyaness is the latest venture from mixology ...More London Events 2019 Feature Cate Blanchett comes to the National Theatre in 2019, the Spice Girls reunite and Christian Dior is the Designer of Dreams at the V&A. New musicals are dedicated to Dolly Parton, Pirates and Mary Poppins, ...More 
Hotels near Criterion Theatre
From cheap budget accommodation to luxury 5 star suites see our special offers for Criterion Theatre hotels, including Cafe Royal Hotel from 97% off. |
 |
