The Criterion Theatre
Piccadilly, London, SW1Y 4XA

Nearest underground:
Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly Line, Bakerloo Line)

Nearest rail:
Charing Cross

On Piccadilly Circus, opposite the statue of Eros, the Criterion has stood since 1873.  Set into the unassuming Victorian façade, the tiny entrance is covered with a simple iron awning, which belies the beautifully decorated foyer within.  Splendidly tiled and mirrored, and painted with scenes of angels, steps lead down to the auditorium, which is entirely underground.  During the Criterion’s early days it was lit by gaslight and air was pumped down into auditorium to counter the stuffy atmosphere.  This led the council to close the theatre in 1883.  After the installation of a proper ventilation system and electricity it was re-opened the following year. 

From 1897 the Criterion was owned by actor-manager Charles Wyndham and his wife Mary Moore, who starred in many of the early productions.  At this time it tended to show productions of light comedy and dramas of social criticism.  During World War II the theatre was used by the BBC as an underground radio broadcasting station.  Since then, the Criterion has showed a mixture of writing including some serious drama, but has always leant towards the comic side. 

What's on at Criterion Theatre

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