Criterion Theatre
Upcoming Performances
Now Playing: Titanique
A camp musical parody where Céline Dion hijacks Titanic, retelling the doomed romance with pop hits and chaotic comedy.
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What Visitors Say
I went to see Titanique with no expectations and honestly knowing almost nothing about the show beforehand, but I ended up having such a great time. It truly is one of the funniest musicals in town! The cast is fantastic. Every performer feels perfectly chosen for their role, and together they create an absolutely sensational and entertaining performance. The humor is nonstop, the energy is amazing, and the audience was clearly having a great time. The theater itself is beautiful. It is not a huge venue, but the seats are comfortable and many have great views. The decor is stunning, especially the main lobby, staircase, and bar area. The location is also very convenient, just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus with easy access to public transportation. One important recommendation: choose your seats carefully. Not every seat in the theater has a good view. Some seats have a very obstructed view, and I mean very obstructed. I originally bought a £56 ticket, but after seeing my view, I decided to upgrade to a £76 seat, and the difference was absolutely worth it. A better seat made the experience much more enjoyable. Also, be aware that this show has a very strong LGBTQ+ influence. It is unapologetically gay, with many jokes, references, and songs related to gay culture. Personally, I loved that energy and thought it made the show even more fun, but if that type of humor or theme is not for you, this may not be the right show. Since I went in without knowing much about it, I was pleasantly surprised by how funny and entertaining it was. My only other tip: if you are visiting during the summer, especially in July, bring a fan, the theater gets very warm inside. Overall, a super fun night out and a show I would definitely recommend!
"Great views of the stage"??? Nope. Seats aren't tiered high enough to see over people's heads in the dress circle. There were heads blocking my view. I'd thought it would be the same as Prince of Wales theater (and others, this is just an example) where your row is high enough so that the people in the row in front of you and even the next row do not obstruct your view. Bummer. My friend and I went to see Titanique and people would laugh and we'd have no idea what they were laughing about because we couldn't see what happened. I had one little area in the middle of the stage that I could see - sometimes - because the woman in front of me would lean over so SHE could see and it my view of the stage would be completely blocked. We left at intermission. It really stunk. Never have I ever been so disappointed at a musical. I truly feel like I should get a refund. It was an expensive night, especially when you include the Uber rides to and from.
The Criterion Theatre in London is an architectural marvel and a true cornerstone of the West End. Uniquely situated almost entirely underground right at Piccadilly Circus, this Grade II* listed venue offers one of the most intimate and atmospheric theater-going experiences in the world. Walking down into the auditorium feels like entering a gilded time capsule. The Victorian tile work, ornate gold leafing, and stunning ceiling frescoes have been meticulously preserved, yet the theater feels remarkably modern and comfortable thanks to its excellent air conditioning—a rarity for such a historic site! Why You’ll Love It: Incredible Sightlines: With fewer than 600 seats, there truly isn't a bad view in the house. You feel incredibly close to the performers. Unique Underground Setting: There’s something magical about the hushed, subterranean quiet just steps away from the chaos of the city above. Top-Tier Productions: It is currently home to the hilariously camp musical "Titaníque", which perfectly utilizes the space’s intimate acoustics. The staff are exceptionally welcoming, and the Greene Bar is a beautiful spot to enjoy a drink before the curtain rises. If you want a theater experience that feels personal and steeped in history, the Criterion is a five-star choice!
Irreverent, joyful, full of character. Some scenes are hilarious. Celine Dion definitely knew what happened a board of “Titanique”. Gorgeous way of spending a Sunday afternoon. We were on the stalls and the view was great. The show runs without an intermission.
My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the TiTANiQUE, it is indeed the funniest musical in town. Each performer has been chosen for their role with care, I am sure, and together they give an absolutely sensational performance. The theater is not large, each seat is very comfortable and has a good view. The decor is simply stunning, especially in the main lobby, stairway and the bar area. The location is very near Piccadilly Circus and all main public transport.
About Criterion Theatre
Used by the BBC during World War II as an underground broadcasting studio for safety during air raids.
Venue Tips
✨ Best For
Intimate plays, comedies and contemporary productions with strong audience connection. Perfect for evenings out around Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.
💺 Best Seats
Front and central seats in the Stalls offer the closest connection and best acoustics. Dress Circle front rows give an excellent overview with minimal obstruction. Upper Circle central seats offer value with surprisingly good sightlines.
⚠️ Seats to Avoid
Avoid side seats in the Upper Circle where pillars can restrict views, and very back rows where detail is reduced in the underground auditorium. Some Stalls seats can be narrow for taller guests.
Things to Know Before You Go
Which seats are worth prioritising at Criterion Theatre?
Front and central seats in the Stalls offer the closest connection and best acoustics. Dress Circle front rows give an excellent overview with minimal obstruction. Upper Circle central seats offer value with surprisingly good sightlines. For a safer booking, also note: Avoid side seats in the Upper Circle where pillars can restrict views, and very back rows where detail is reduced in the underground auditorium. Some Stalls seats can be narrow for taller guests. Use that as editorial guidance rather than a guarantee; always check the live seating plan and any seat notes before paying.
Is Criterion Theatre a good venue for seeing Titanique?
Yes, if you book with the production's scale in mind. Titanique is currently listed at Criterion Theatre, so choose seats that suit this staging rather than simply buying the cheapest available ticket. For a first visit, a central view is the least risky option.
What kind of night out does Criterion Theatre suit best?
Criterion Theatre works best for Intimate plays, comedies and contemporary productions with strong audience connection. Perfect for evenings out around Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. The right choice depends less on dress code and more on matching the room to the production: intimate plays reward proximity, while spectacle-led musicals usually benefit from a more centred overview.
What should I know about access before booking Criterion Theatre?
Check the venue's official access page or box office before booking wheelchair spaces, transfer seats, step-free routes, companion seats or assisted performances. London venues vary sharply by level, and the most comfortable choice is often a specific access seat rather than a general price band.
How early should I arrive at Criterion Theatre?
Aim to be at the doors around half an hour before the performance, and earlier if you need access support, cloakroom time, box-office collection or a quiet drink. For older West End buildings, late arrival can mean stairs, narrow foyers and a less relaxed start.
What is the easiest way to reach Criterion Theatre?
Piccadilly Circus is the simplest station to check first. The venue address in our data is 218-223 Piccadilly, St. James's. For weekend visits, check engineering works and leave a little extra time around the West End and major transport hubs.
Where is the Criterion Theatre located?
At Piccadilly Circus (W1J 9HR), less than a minute from the Tube and close to Regent Street and Leicester Square.
Which Tube stations are closest?
Piccadilly Circus is the closest (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines). Leicester Square and Green Park are also within walking distance.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive 25–30 minutes early to descend the stairs, pass bag checks and enjoy the foyer before the show.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code — comfortable, everyday clothes are fine. Guests often dress up for evenings or celebrations.
Is the theatre accessible?
Step-free access is available only to the Upper Circle via Jermyn Street. Other levels require stairs due to the historic building layout.
Are food and drinks available?
Yes. Bars serve drinks and snacks before the show and during the interval. Hot food from outside is not permitted.
Are bags checked at the entrance?
Yes. Light security checks take place before entry. Large luggage cannot be brought inside.
🤓 Fun Facts
The auditorium is entirely underground — making it one of the most unusual theatres in the West End.
During the Blitz, the BBC used the theatre as a secure studio, broadcasting news and entertainment from underground.
The theatre began life as part of a grand restaurant complex before being converted into a performance space during construction.
Early productions included W.S. Gilbert’s ‘Topsyturveydom’ in 1874.
The building is Grade II* listed for its exceptional Victorian interior and architectural detail.
Nearby Places
Prince of Wales Theatre
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Lyric Theatre
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Piccadilly Theatre
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Gielgud Theatre
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His Majesty's Theatre
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Sondheim Theatre
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Hippodrome Casino (Over 18s Only)
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National Gallery
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National Portrait Gallery
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Canada House Gallery
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Garrick Theatre
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Nearest Tube Stations
- Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly, Bakerloo Zone 1 0.02 km
- Leicester Square Northern, Piccadilly Zone 1 0.40 km
- Charing Cross Bakerloo, Northern Zone 1 0.52 km