Criterion Theatre London Piccadilly Circus SW1Y 4XA - Discount 39 Steps Tickets

The 39 Steps at The Criterion Theatre

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The 39 Steps at The Criterion Theatre London

The 39 Steps
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Refreshments Two Bars - Stalls and Dress Circle. Ice-cream, crisps and confectionery.
Sennheiser infr-red hearing system in all parts of the auditorium. Staff are available to dog sit for 2 dogs per performance. Wheelchair/scooter users should inform the Box Office in advance and arrive at the level entrance in Jermyn Street. There is a slight slope with handrails on both sides to the back of the Upper Circle. Two spaces for wheelchairs at the back of the theatre. One fully accommodated toilet on the way to the Upper Circle.
Masterparks at Whitcomb Street and Trafalgar Square. Denman Street NCP
Piccadilly Circus
Charing Cross, Victoria and Waterloo National Rail Stations
Buses for The Criterion Theatre: 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159, 453
Criterion Theatre Piccadilly Circus, SW1Y 4XA Criterion Theatre Map Click Here Criterion Seating Plan	Theatre
Criterion Theatre In 1870 following the acquirement of the 17th century White Bear Inn site, and adjacent properties between Jermyn Street and Piccadilly Circus (known as Regent Circus), caterers Spiers and Pond commissioned Thomas Verity to design a new development consisting of a large restaurant, dining rooms, ballroom, and galleried concert hall. Having begun construction work it was determined to change the suggested concert hall, (though retaining the composers names which still line the tiled staircases to this day), to a theatre which opened on 21st March, 1874. The first production comprised of An American Lady, written and executed by the manager Henry J Byron and a piece by W.S. Gilbert (part of the Gilbert and Sullivan) titled Topseyturveydom. Under the management of Charles Wyndham, The Criterion became the leading comedy house in London. Between the 1st and 2nd World War productions included Musical Chairs with John Gielgud, and in 1936 a three year run of French Without Tears which set in motion the career of Terence Rattigan. During World War 2 The Criterion was requisitioned by the BBC, as an underground theatre it was an perfect studio for light entertainment both recorded and live. After the war works such as Beckett's Waiting for Godot and pieces by Anouilh, Dario Fo and others. In the 1970's the whole of the Criterion Theatre site was suggested for renovation, which caused huge protestation as people dreaded the theatre would be lost eternally. Throughout the 70's and early 80's the Equity Save London's Theatre Committee organised high profile demonstrations. Campaigners included John Gielgud, Diana Rigg, Edward Woodward, Robert Morley and Prunella Scales. Eventually the theatre's future was assured although afterwards, the theatre closed down from 1989, until reopening in October 1992 while the Criterion block that stands today, was constructed around it. Having undergone major refurbishment both back, and front of house, The Criterion Theatre retains an almost perfectly saved Victorian auditorium, with all of its intimacy and atmosphere. The theatre reopened with Ennio Marchetto. From 1996 to 2005 The Reduced Shakespeare Company becharmed audiences with their 30+ 'snippets' from Shakespeare, with one performance being executed 'backwards'! The theatre retains its Victorian auditorium which gives this theatre an intimate and atmospherical presence for artistes and audiences.