West End Theatre Guide
Criterion Theatre
An elegant Piccadilly Circus theatre below street level, full of late-Victorian character and West End atmosphere.
The Criterion Theatre occupies one of the most striking locations in Theatreland, right by Piccadilly Circus. Entered beneath street level and rich in decorative detail, it feels intimate, distinctive and unmistakably theatrical. For visitors who enjoy a venue with real personality, the Criterion is one of the West End’s most memorable settings.
What’s On at Criterion Theatre
History
The Criterion is one of the West End’s architectural oddities and delights: a richly decorated theatre tucked beneath Piccadilly Circus.
Opened in 1874, the Criterion Theatre quickly established itself as one of the more distinctive buildings in the West End. Because much of the auditorium sits below street level, the experience of arriving there feels slightly different from almost every other theatre in London. The building is associated with Victorian ingenuity and decorative exuberance, and although it has evolved over time, it still offers a strong sense of period charm. The Criterion’s size and setting make it especially well suited to productions that benefit from atmosphere and proximity.
Getting Here
Piccadilly Circus station is essentially on the doorstep, making the theatre one of the easiest in London to reach by Tube. The surrounding area offers countless dining options, from St James’s to Soho. Because the location is so central, it is often best approached on foot or by public transport rather than by car.
Grand Circle Tips
The Criterion is one of the best theatres for visitors who want the sense of arriving in the very middle of London’s West End. Give yourself a little time to enjoy the unusual descent into the auditorium and the surrounding architecture.
Restaurant Recommendation
Brasserie Zédel
Just around the corner from Piccadilly Circus, Brasserie Zédel is a stylish and practical choice that suits the Criterion’s historic glamour.
View Restaurant