Criterion Theatre
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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.
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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.
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London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel from £298 24% 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 31% 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 £283 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
18 Suffolk Street, 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: 1st January 2015 to 5th April 2020
Criterion Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D | 1 minute from Criterion Theatre
Michael Jackson's untimely death may have propelled this musical into orbit; Thriller - Live became a tribute show overnight with the obvious decision that the show ...More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 9th November 2019 to 29th February 2020
Criterion Theatre, St Martins Lane, WC2N | 6 minutes from Criterion Theatre
The true story of two young climbers who get into trouble has already been told in a BAFTA-winning film and now it comes to the stage ...More
London > Events > Theatre Dates: 24th August to 2nd November 2019
Criterion Theatre, St Martins Lane, WC2N | 6 minutes from Criterion Theatre
A pin-point accurate insight into the mind of a troubled teen, Florian Zeller's The Son delivers an uneasy portrayal of mental health that can, at times, ...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
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Hotels Near Criterion Theatre What's On Today Near Criterion Theatre  Crystal Maze LIVE Experience West End Exhibitions | Until 31st December 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 Sophie Evans Music | Until 21st September 2019 Brasserie Zedel 1 minute walk from Criterion Theatre The West End star, who played Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz at London Palladium, plunders a songbook of showtunes ...More Torchbearer: Graham J Featuring Ian Elmslie Music | On 18th September 2019 Brasserie Zedel 1 minute walk from Criterion Theatre Male contralto Graham J and pianist Ian Elmslie interpret torch songs traditionally sung by women, which lay bare the dreaded ...More  Thriller Live Theatre | Until 5th April 2020 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 Heartbeat Of Home Dance | Until 13th October 2019 Piccadilly Theatre 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Moya Doherty and John McColgan's extravaganza featuring 33 performers on stage including a live six-piece band. The show fuses traditional ...More The Comedy Store Players Comedy | On 18th September 2019 Comedy Store 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Improvisational humour from Lee Simpson, Neil Mullarkey, Andy Smart, Richard Vranch, David Reed and Ruth Bratt....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  The Book Of Mormon Theatre | Until 12th October 2019 Prince of Wales Theatre 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Creators of Southpark (Trey Parker and Matt Stone) have turned their satirical eyes to the cheery world of musicals. With ...More  John Smedley: 235 Exhibitions | Until 2nd October 2019 St James's Market 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre Launching at London Craft Week on 1st May, luxury knitwear brand John Smedley marks its 235th year with a free ...More  Les Miserables - The All Star Staged Concert Theatre | Until 30th November 2019 Gielgud Theatre 2 minutes walk from Criterion Theatre While the Queen's Theatre closes for refurbishment Cameron Mackintosh presents Les Miserables - The Staged Concert, an intimate concert staging ...More New on LondonTown  Sticks'n'Sushi, Soho Dining Underneath the London HQ of British artist Damien Hirst, Sticks'n'Sushi in Soho specialises in sushi ...More  Alcotraz Penitentiary: Cell Block Six Eight Drinking Two years after the first behind-bars cocktail bar ...More  Wilder Restaurant & Bar Dining Modern British restaurant at Boundary London run by Richard McLellan, former chef at the Typing ...More  World Car Free Day in London Exhibitions | On 22nd September Turn off your engines and leave the petrol ...More  The Collective Business Set within a Victorian house, The Collective are a collection of beautifully designed and finished ...More Vegan Oktoberfest Foodie Events | On 4th October Proving that you don't need meat to to enjoy Oktoberfest, Greenwich Market will once again host its Vegan Oktoberfest in 2019. From vegan wurstl and knodel to a refreshing variety of vegan-friendly beers, it will ...More  Old Bengal Bar Drinking Located in a beautiful Grade II listed building originally owned by the East India Company, ...More  Human Stories: Circa No Future Exhibitions | From 4th October West Indian photographer Nadia Higgins is given her ...More  The Builders Arms Dining Chelsea local, The Builders Arms on Britten Street, a landmark pub serving thirsty locals since ...More  Youth Without God by Christopher Hampton Theatre | From 19th September Oscar-winning dramatist Christopher Hampton writes a shocking allegorical ...More  Inspired By The East: How The Islamic World Influenced Western Art Exhibitions | From 10th October Covering five centuries of artistic interaction, Inspired by ...More  Shot in Soho Exhibitions | From 18th October Soho, the gritty, colourful cousin to Mayfair, its well heeled neighbour, is continually captured on ...More  The Royal Opera: Don Pasquale Concerts | From 14th October The Royal Opera presents a new production of ...More  Birmingham Royal Ballet: Giselle Dance | From 1st November David Bintley and Galina Samsova's production of Coralli ...More  Birmingham Royal Ballet: Mixed Programme Dance | From 29th October Before the arrival of Carlos Acosta as its ...More  Angela's Ashes: The Musical Theatre | From 24th September A musical adaptation of Frank McCourt's best-selling 1996 ...More  Decimo Dining Sitting on the 10th floor of The Standard, London, Decimo is Peter Sanchez-Iglesias' first restaurant ...More  Luigi's Bar Drinking On Shoreditch High Street, beneath the co-working office spaces of Forge & Co, is Spelzini, ...More Autumn 2019 in London Feature Summer may be over but that isn't an excuse for hibernating - and why would ...More  Best Food Halls in London Article With Market Halls, Arcade and Seven Dials Market opening in one year, food halls ...More  December in London 2019 Article The National Theatre adapts Neil Gaiman's modern myth for its Christmas show, joining much ...More 
Hotels near Criterion Theatre
From cheap budget places to stay to luxury 5 star hotels see our discounts for Criterion Theatre hotels, including Every Hotel Piccadilly from 91% off. |
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