UK Travel Guide

Theatres
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Criterion Theatre

This Victorian theatre designed by Thomas Verity in 1874 is possibly the most beautiful in London. Built entirely underground it was necessary to pump air into the auditorium for the safety of the patrons until renovations remedied the problem in 1884. During the Second World War the theatre's underground location proved an ideal setting for transmissions from the BBC. Some of the more notable happenings in the theatre's history is the debut of John Gielgud; the appearance in 1962 of the then unknown Michael Caine; and the staging in 1972 of the less-than-successful Hulla Baloo which contained material from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice long before they gained fame for their musical spectaculars.

Located at: Piccadilly Circus, London, W1

Telephone: 020 7369 1737

Opens: Phone for details

Cost: £5.50 - £20.00

Closest Subway Station: Piccadilly Circus Station (Click to see more atrraction at this station)