Criterion Theatre

Theatre History

The Criterion's architect, Thomas Verity was chosen following a competition for find a designer for a concert hall complex. It was only after Verity's design including a large restaurant, dining rooms, ballroom and basement concert hall had began construction, that the decision to turn it into a theatre was made. The design of The Criterion was rapidly amended, moving the Criterion restaurant and dining rooms above the theatre and the ballroom to the top floor.

In 1883 the theatre was forced to close, the system for pumping air into the underground theatre was deemed unsatisfactory. The theatre's original architect oversaw the remedial works which included closing off a large portion of the Criterion restaurant, adding corridors and exits, a total rebuild of the theatre and the installation of electricity.

During World War II the Criterion was used by the BBC, the theatres position nearly 30 feet below street level made it the ideal place to broadcast during the London Blitz. Light entertainment was recorded and even broadcast live during the war.

Over the years The Criterion has hosted a wide variety of performances. Comedies, musicals and more modern works such as Waiting for Godot have all called The Criterion home. In recent years the theatre has featured The Reduced Shakespeare Company ITV's Pop Idol and Patrick Barlow's The 39 Steps.