150^th Anniversary

“Actors, directors and producers always love playing the Criterion Theatre. The Piccadilly Jewel Box has a uniquely magical atmosphere. From the stage, its auditorium is like a wide smile, and from the auditorium, the stage is close enough for intimacy and a real connection with the actors and the drama being presented.

The 150th Anniversary—the Sesquicentenary, if you want the posh word—is a perfect time to celebrate the Cri’s unique place in the West End, and to do so in a way that helps new audiences find this very special London treasure.” STEPHEN FRY, CHAIRMAN, CRITERION THEATRE TRUST

Thank you to everyone who helped us to celebrate 150 years of The Cri at our gala performance on 24th June 2024

A very special thank you to all who have donated to our 150TIX scheme to support our giving up to 150 free tickets a week to under 21 year olds to see a live performance at The Cri. With the help of your donations, we hope to continue the scheme in 2025

If you would like to donate please scan the attached.  £15 gives one child a seat at a performance and you can donate in multiples of £15.

Thank you!

Multiples of £15 or £150 

Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate our 150th anniversary in 2024 by attending our gala, theatre talks, attending our performances or donating to our 150TIX fund.

We hope to restart the 150TIX scheme again in 2025, offering free theatre tickets to under 21 year olds. 

If you would like to register your interest in receiving tickets, please email [email protected]k marking the subject as '150TIX'.  

A lot has happened both on and off our stage in 150 years. This year we have been spending time looking back and split our history into five eras:

1874-1899

A new circus comes to town

Built on the site of the 17th century White Bear, The Criterion music hall quickly establishes itself as one of London's leading comedy venues. By the 'naughty nineties', The Cri is regularly delighting audiences from its home in the heart of London's decadent theatreland.

1900-1935

The show must go on

The Cri does its bit to boost war time morale: A Little Bit of Fluff by playwright Walter W Ellis runs for 1,241 performances, helping raise Londoners' spirits.

With the arrival of electric billboards in 1926, even the Depression can't stop the razzle dazzle of Piccadilly. In 1932, the Cri sees a young John Gielgud, not yet a Sir, take to the stage in Musical Chairs.

1935-1959

We interrupt this performance to bring you the blitz

The Cri remains 'dark' for the duration of World War II, requisitioned by the BBC as a subterranean radio studio.

Bruised but unbroken, Londoners emerge from the war and embrace a new era of playwriting. The Cri is at the heart of this movement, with the original production of Samuel Beckett's iconic absurdist play Waiting For Godot transferring from the Arts in 1955.

1992-2024

A restoration, a pandemic and lots of joy

In 1992 Sally Greene sets up the Criterion Theatre Trust, which oversees a complete restoration.

The coming decades see some huge successes, including almost decade-long runs from the Reduced Shakespeare Company and The 39 Steps.

Four years of The Comedy About A Bank Robbery come to an abrupt end in March 2020 when the theatre closes in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

When theatreland re-opens, audiences crave feel-good vibes and the Cri delivers with the musical Amelie, followed by a joyous take on Jane Austin's masterpiece, Price and Prejudice (sort of).