Criterion Theatre, London
The Criterion Theatre is home to Titanique until 3 January 2027, and it sits right on Piccadilly Circus with the entire auditorium underneath it. Exit 4 of the tube station comes out at the front door.
The short answer on seats: book the Stalls. The viewing is good almost the whole way across, and the sides are better here than side seats usually are. One place to avoid is directly behind the thick pillars about two-thirds of the way back. The front of the Dress Circle is the next best thing. And the Upper Circle is the value pick, much cheaper and still a good view in this small theatre.
Already booked? Every bag is checked before you get into the foyer, so arrive 15 to 20 minutes before, no later, and bring nothing bigger than a handbag. Then it's all downhill: 23 steps to the Upper Circle, 32 to the Dress Circle and 54 to the Stalls. There's no lift, and the step-free way in is from Jermyn Street, round the back.
The Criterion is upside down. Ground level is not the Stalls, it's the Upper Circle, and even that is a flight below the pavement. Keep going and the Stalls are four floors beneath the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly Circus. The 585 seats are held up by columns that pass down through the levels, which is where the pillars come from.
Each level has its own page: the Stalls, the Dress Circle and the Upper Circle, with all three side by side on the seating plan, and a page on the Boxes. After those come how to get here, access, bars and toilets, restaurants, bars and hotels nearby and more about the theatre.
Quick facts
- Address: 218-223 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HR
- Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus, about a minute, exit 4
- Capacity: 585
- Levels: Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle, plus six Boxes
- Steps: 23 down to the Upper Circle, 32 to the Dress Circle, 54 to the Stalls. No lift; step-free to the Upper Circle from Jermyn Street
- Arrival: 15 to 20 minutes before, no later. Bags are checked on the way in
- Run by: the Criterion Theatre Trust, an independent charity
What's On at the Criterion Theatre
Titanique is playing until 3 January 2027, when its London run ends. It retells the film Titanic through Céline Dion's songs. It's a spoof of the film and is exactly as silly as it sounds and gets away with it!
Performances are Tuesday to Sunday, with no show on Mondays, and the schedule changes over Christmas, so check your date on the show page. Under-12s aren't admitted.
Ticket prices
For Titanique, tickets run from around £35 up to around £135, with most seats around £70 to £80. Every ticket includes £1.50 towards restoring the building. All-in pricing, the price you see is what you pay.
At the Criterion the price follows the view rather than how close you are, and the seating plan shows how that works.
Book Criterion Theatre tickets
All-in pricing, the price you see is what you pay.
FAQs
How many seats are in the Criterion Theatre?
585, across the Stalls, the Dress Circle and the Upper Circle, plus six Boxes.
Is the Criterion Theatre underground?
Yes, completely. The Box Office is on ground level and from then on it's down, with no lift. Even the Upper Circle, the level you reach first, is a flight of stairs below the street.
Is the Criterion Theatre the same as the Criterion Restaurant?
Same building, different things. The site was built in the 1870s as a restaurant with a concert hall in the basement, and the concert hall became the theatre. The restaurant closed years ago and Masala Zone now trades in its old dining room, right next door to the theatre entrance.
Can I take food and drink in?
Hot food and alcohol bought outside aren't allowed. If you turn up with a bottle it will be kept at the Box Office and handed back on your way out. Drinks from the theatre's own bars are fine.
Can I bring a large bag or a suitcase?
No. Large bags and suitcases can't be taken in at all, so bring something handbag-sized. There's a cloakroom you're welcome to use, but it's for small bags only, so if you're arriving with luggage you'll need one of the storage places around Piccadilly Circus first.
What happens if I'm late?
For Titanique there's no fixed point when latecomers are let in. It's up to the manager on the night, it isn't guaranteed, and you may not be able to get to the seat you booked. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before, no later.
Can I wear jeans to the Criterion Theatre?
Yes. There is no dress code. People turn up in everything from suits to trainers and nobody minds.
Are there hospitality packages?
Not at present. The theatre doesn't currently run any.
When is the Box Office open?
In person, Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 8pm and Sunday from noon to 7:30pm. It's closed on Mondays.
Can I book by phone?
Yes. Call us on 020 7193 9050 and a real person will help you choose seats and book. The price we tell you is the price you pay.
Do you offer group bookings?
Yes. Call us on 020 7193 9050 and we'll find seats together at the best price. With only 585 seats, and pillars to steer round, the earlier you call for a larger group, the better.