The Criterion Theatre is located on Piccadilly Circus in the West End of London. The theatre was designed by Thomas Verity and is situated entirely underground having a Grade II listing.
In 1870, caterers Spiers and Pond acquired the White Bear Inn site and the adjoining properties between Jermyn Street and Piccadilly Circus. They commissioned Thomas Verity to design a new development consisting of a large restaurant, dining rooms, ballroom, and galleried concert hall. After the commencement of the work, it was decided to alter the proposed concert hall to a theatre. The theatre opened in the year 1874. Between 1989 and 1992, the theatre was closed for refurbishement. It has a capacity to accommodate 594 people. From the year 1996 to 2005, this theatre was the home to productions of the Reduced Shakespeare Company. "The Complete Works of Shakespeare", "The Complete History of America", and "The Bible", "The Complete Word of God" are some of the works thatcan be mentioned. The Criterion Theatre regularly plays host to East 15 Acting School''s annual student showcases.
The Theatre has an almost perfectly preserved Victorian auditorium, with all the intimacy and atmosphere that make the building a pleasure for both visitors and workers. Nearest Tube : Piccadilly Circus Tube Distance : Opposite tube station Train Station : Charing Cross Car Park : NCP in Denman Street Map : Click Here
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