London Theatres

1. UK Information
2. UK Theatres
3. About London theatres
4. The history of some of London's theatres
5. Criterion Theatre

About Criterion Theatre

This Victorian theatre on Piccadilly Circus may be the most beautiful theater in London. In 1874 this underground theatre opened to an astonished crowd who saw that everything except the ticket box office is entirely underground.

For ten years it was necessary to pump air into the theatre from outside until the problems were repaired. BBC transmitted from this underground venue during the war since it was safer than buildings sitting on the ground surface.

The original intention was to build the theatre as a concert hall, but plans were changed during construction. Before the ventilation problems were rectified, the theatre was gas lit. After electricity was installed, the breathing problems were solved. However, due to poorly placed columns, the view from some of the 585 seats is somewhat restricted.

Several celebrities played here before they had become well-known. Among them are John Gielgud and Michael Caine.

Criterion Theatre Information
Criterion Theatre Performances