Theatre Tickets - Criterion, London

History of the Criterion Theatre London

The Criterion Theatre, located in the chic Piccadilly area of London has a long and fascinating history. The London theatre is located on the site of what once stood a coaching inn by the name of The White Bear. The Inn served coaches destined for areas such as Canterbury, Margate, Dover, Ramsgate and Rochester from mid 17th century through to the end of the coaching era, and had one of the finest reputations in the West End of London. When use of the Inn as a coaching station diminished, The White Bear continued to be considered one of the finest hotels in the area, serving guests of high standing and became commonly known as ‘the resort of sporting characters’.

The Inn was eventually demolished in 1870, when the lease of the plot was granted to wine merchants and caterers, Spiers and Pond. The proprietors aspired to building a grand restaurant and tavern on the plot, and commissioned an architectural competition for design of the new building. Of 15 entries, the competition was won by a Mr Thomas Verity, who’s design included dining rooms, smoking room, ball room and two grand halls for concerts and exhibitions. Mr Verity’s legacy continues to this day, in the form of Architecture and Design company, Verity & Beverley.

It was in 1873, following completion of the building at a cost of £80000 that Spiers and Pond decided to apply for permission to commission a theatre in one of the grand halls, located in the basement of the building.

The Criterion Theatre and Restaurant were opened in 1874, boasting an exquisite ornamental interior design of decorative tiling and paintwork. The first production held at the West End theatre was ‘An American Lady’ by Henry Byron with input by legendary dramatist and poet, W.S Gilbert.

Theatrical activity ceased during World War 2 when the Criterion Theatre was used by the BBC as a makeshift recording and broadcasting studio, with it’s underground location making it an ideal safe haven from the bombing encountered during the blitz.

Numerous alterations and improvements have been made at the London theatre since it was first built. In 1882 the Criterion was condemned by the Metropolitan Board of Works on the grounds that the underground playhouse would be unsafe in the event of fire with insufficient ventilation introducing risk of dangerous fumes from the gas lamps in widespread use at the time. The theatre’s future was subsequently safeguarded following re-works by the original designer Mr Verity including new emergency exits, an air-conditioning system and installation of electric lighting throughout (hi-tech stuff for the period!).

More recent alterations to the London theatre include a full refurbishment and complete rebuild in the latter part of the 20th Century of the backstage area introducing new offices, dressing rooms, workshops and two new bars. The upper concert hall is now used for shops, whilst the sumptuously decorated Criterion Restaurant, now owned by celebrity restaurateur Marco Pierre White, continues to be one of the West End’s most distinguished dining locations.

Recent productions at the theatre have included The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, the Complete History of America, The Gruffalo and What the Butler Saw.

Currently Playing at the Criterion Theatre

The Criterion Theatre is currently host to The 39 Steps, a hilarious, typically 'British' comedy thriller based on a novel by John Buchan. Tickets for the London Show are available live with Concierge Desk, with a range of options including best seats, special offers and a fantastic theatre & meal deal which includes a 2 course pre-show Dinner at Planet Hollywood, London.

Book The 39 Step Theatre Tickets

Theatre Tickets - Criterion, London

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