The Criterion Theatre, 5 Star Hotels in London City near The Criterion Theatre, West End Theatres

The Criterion Theatre

2 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 4XA

The Grade II listed Criterion Theatre is a 588 seat West End theatre on London’s famous Piccadilly Circus in the City of Westminster.

The Criterion Theatre opened in March 1874 having previously been a public house under the management of Henry J. Byron & EP Hingston, The opening performances consisted of An American Lady written and performed by Byron and a performance piece by W. S. Gilbert accompanied by music from Alfred Cellier, entitled Topsyturveydom. More recently from 1996 – 2005, the Criterion Theatre staged productions from the Reduced Shakespeare Company namely The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The Complete History of America, The Bible and The Complete Word of God.

The Criterion Theatre is one of London’s most enchanting Theatres, with the stunning use of mirrors and the numerous other unique aspects of the building make is a classic breath of fresh air amongst the modern neon adverts of Piccadilly Circus, once insides the doors of this magnificent theatre one will feel like they have stepped back in time.

Interestingly the theatre hosted the first round of recalls for successful auditions in ITV's Pop Idol. Currently the Criterion Theatre is hosting the production The 39 Steps which is the longest comedy in the West End. The production of this comedy was adapted by Patrick Barlow for the stage from John Buchan's novel, which was filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935.

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