{"id":9636,"date":"2019-03-13T03:46:18","date_gmt":"2019-03-13T03:46:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.headout.com\/?p=9636"},"modified":"2022-07-26T04:38:00","modified_gmt":"2022-07-26T04:38:00","slug":"criterion-theatre-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/criterion-theatre-london\/","title":{"rendered":"Criterion Theatre London | Best seats, pricing & reviews"},"content":{"rendered":"

About The Theatre<\/a> Seating Plan<\/a><\/p>\n

Criterion Theatre, located in proximity to Piccadilly Circus, is a West End theatre that is officially a Grade II Listed building. The theatre is one of the oldest, still functioning theatres in London, having opened on 21st March, 1874. In its 145 years of existence, the theatre has undergone a lot of changes, both structurally and in terms of the genres of theatre it played host to. Initially, the theatre was conceived to function as a concert hall but after a subdued level of success, changed gears and began hosting Edwardian musical comedies. During World War II, the theatre was converted to a safe studio for the BBC.<\/p>\n

In 1980, almost a century after the theatre’s opening, it was purchased by property tycoon, Robert Bourne. The theatre continues to be owned by Bourne, under a trust he set up with his wife, called the Criterion Theatre Trust. The original design of the theatre was created by architect Thomas Verity and featured a unique underground design, where even the upper circle seats could only be accessed by going down stairs. In 1989, the theatre underwent major renovation on both the front and back of the house.<\/p>\n

With a history that dates back almost 145 years, you can bet that the Criterion Theatre has been home of some iconic productions. These include The Great Divorce Case, Haste to the Wedding, Musical Chairs, French Without Tears, Waiting for Godot, Tom Foolery, Run for Your Wife, Fresh Fields, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, The Waltz of Toreadors, The 39 Steps, Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined, Mr. Popper\u2019s Penguins and many others.<\/p>\n

Venue Details<\/h2>\n

Address<\/strong>: 218-223 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1V 9LB, UK<\/p>\n

Opened<\/strong>: 21 March 1874<\/p>\n

Seating Capacity<\/strong>: 588 Stalls : 365 Dress Circle: 151 Upper Circle: 65<\/p>\n

Seating Chart<\/strong> Check out the Criterion Theatre Seating Plan here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Now Playing at Criterion Theatre London<\/h2>\n

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Grab the best seats at Criterion Theatre<\/strong> and save \u00a37<\/strong> on your first booking. Use code ‘GOLDN’<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

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Practical Information<\/h2>\n

Section Accessibility<\/h3>\n

Stalls<\/b>:You can reach the stalls by climbing down 54 steps from the main foyer. There are no lifts in the theatre, so this section should be avoided by patrons with limited mobility.<\/p>\n

Dress Circle<\/b>: The dress circle can be reached by climbing down 32 steps from the main foyer. Again, since there is no lift, this section should be avoided by wheelchair users and others with limited mobility.<\/p>\n

Upper Circle<\/b>: The upper circle is the only section in the theatre to feature step-free access. This step-free access is courtesy a special entrance located on Jermyn Street. Given that there is a way to access this section without climbing down steps, the upper circle is the most suitable for wheelchair users, transfer seat folks and guests with limited mobility. Row C of the upper circle has two wheelchair accessible spaces.<\/p>\n

Available Facilities<\/h3>\n

Wheelchair Accessible<\/b>:Wheelchair accessible spaces are available only in the upper circle section. These spaces are located to the left of seat C20 and can be accessed via a negligible slope. There are transfer seats available in each row of this section as well, but there are steps leading to these rows.<\/p>\n

Restroom<\/b>: The theatre is equipped with one access adapted toilet in the upper circle. Regular toilets for males and females are located between the stalls and dress circle section and require steps to be climbed up\/down.<\/p>\n

Bar<\/b>: The Criterion Theatre has two bars. The first one, Stalls Bar, is located in the stalls and the second, Greene Bar, is located in the dress circle. Please note that both these bars require steps to be used. For wheelchair users, drinks can be brought to their seats by the staff.<\/p>\n

Assistive Listening System<\/b>: The theatre has an induction loop system in the foyer and a infrared hearing system installed in all parts of the theatre. Headsets are also available for guests and can be collected from the cloakroom.<\/p>\n

Cloakroom<\/b>: If you’re carrying large bags or pushchairs, the theatre houses a cloakroom where you can deposit your bags. Please reach out to the theatre staff for cloakroom facility.<\/p>\n

Handy Tips<\/h2>\n