Access Information *

Our staff are available to assist you. If you cannot find the information you require here or if you would like help in planning your visit, please contact our box office team on 0207 839 8811 or via email [email protected].

We have integrated our booking system with Nimbus Disability to make ticketing and access to the Criterion Theatre easier and more inclusive for all of our patrons.

This will mean that all our access customers will require either a Nimbus Disability Access Card or Criterion Theatre Digital Access Pass Number which will mean you can;

• Book access rate tickets online.
• Access priority seats for Access Performances such as Captioning and Audio Described.
• Easily communicate your access requirements to the team at the venue.

Access Rates

The access rate is 50% off two* standard ticket prices. This discount will be applied automatically to your basket on checkout.

*If you have the 2+ companion symbol you will get 3 tickets for the price of one.

Please see the wheelchair or level access information if you require reduced or step free access to the venue.                                    We are a Grade II listed underground theatre with no lift.

Linking my Nimbus Disability Access Card or Criterion Theatre Digital Access Pass

Please follow the link below for instructions to either connect your existing Nimbus Disability Access Card or your Criterion Theatre Digital Access Pass.

https://app.accesscard.online/form/spektrix/criterion-theatre-trust//#step1

Once you have connected your card or digital access pass to your account you will be able to book access rate tickets online.

What is a Nimbus Disability Access Card?

The Access Card, run by Nimbus Disability, is a universal proof of access requirements scheme, accepted and recognised at thousands of events, venues and attractions across the UK and beyond.

The card has a registration fee of £15 for 3 years.  You only have to give your information when signing up as your access requirements are then pre-registered at 2,500 venues and events.

For help and support applying for an Access Card, please visit the Access Card website by clicking here (Access Card: Making access easy)

What is a Criterion Theatre Digital Access Pass?

A Criterion Theatre Digital Access Pass is a free way of conveying your access requirements with us. You still go through the same process as applying for a Nimbus Disability Access Card but it is completely free. Please note, you do not get a physical card.

To register for a Criterion Theatre Digital Access Pass please click here (Criterion Theatre - application form)

The Criterion Theatre Digital Access Pass is only valid at the Criterion Theatre and lasts for 3 years. You can always upgrade to a full Nimbus Disability Access Card at any point.

The Criterion Theatre auditorium is situated below street level with step free access only available to the Upper Circle.

The Dress Circle is one further level down and the Stalls three levels below Jermyn Street level, and four floors below Piccadilly Circus.

From the main entrances on Piccadilly Circus there are 23 steps down to the Upper Circle, 32 steps down to the Dress Circle and 54 steps to the Stalls. There is currently no lift facility in the Grade II listed building. We can offer alternative access via our fire exit stairways to all levels from Jermyn Street upon request. Although there are still steps to the Stalls and Dress Circle levels, they are reduced in number and supported by a handrail.

Using your Nimbus Disability Access card or Criterion Theatre Digital Access Pass to book wheelchair accessible seats.

If you would like to remain in your wheelchair

After registering your Nimbus Disability Access Card, or registering for a Criterion Theatre Digital Access Pass you can log in to your Criterion Theatre account and navigate to the performance you would like to book. The Upper Circle is where wheelchair accessible seats are located.

You will see in the Upper Circle row C there are wheelchair symbols. If you select 2 seats with wheelchair symbols, we will be able to accommodate someone remaining in their wheelchair and one companion. These seats are accessible with a completely step free entrance. Please note if the seats are grey, they are unavailable. Please contact the box office on 020 7839 8811 or email [email protected] if you would like to book more than 2 wheelchair spaces.

If you would like to transfer from your wheelchair

After registering your Nimbus Disability Access Card, or registering for a Criterion Theatre Digital Access Pass you can log in to your Criterion Theatre account and navigate to the performance you would like to book.

You can select any available seats on the plan (except the wheelchair icon) but please be aware there will be a minimum of 2 steps to transfer to a seat in row C of the Upper Circle and more steps to row A and B or any of the other levels.

We can store your wheelchair or scooter nearby and one of the team will be available to help you.

Hearing Systems

Box Office/Foyer

There is an induction loop system available in the foyer for the Box Office.

Auditorium

We have a Sennheiser infra-red hearing system that works in all parts of the auditorium.

How To Use the Sennheiser Infra-red Hearing System

Upon arrival let any of our Front of House team know that you would like to use the Sennheiser system.

We then have two options available to you;

1. A Sennheiser receiver that you would use alongside your hearing aid. Switch your hearing aid to the T position, and then wear the receiver necklace to enable the system to communicate with your hearing aids. You have adjustable volume control and the staff member will ensure it is set to the correct channel for you.

2. A Sennheiser in ear headset, with no hearing aid required. You have adjustable volume control.

In the unlikely event that you should experience any problems with using your Sennheiser system please let any member of the Front of House team know and they will be happy to assist you.

In line with safety protocols all headsets and receivers are sanitised prior and after customer use.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome. For ease of access and comfort, we recommend purchasing a seat at the end of a row. Alternatively, we can provide a dog sitting service during the performance. Please contact the Box Office on 020 7839 8811 or at [email protected] for further information.

WCs

There is an accessible lavatory on the Upper Circle level, with step free access from Jermyn Street.

Additional facilities are available on Dress Circle level including ambulant cubicles..

Parking

For information about blue badge parking in Westminster please visit www.parkingforbluebadges.com

Our nearest Q-Park car park is at Whitcombe Street, Leicester Square.

The Society of London Theatres and Q-Park offer a discounted Theatreland parking scheme offering 50% discount. Details of participating car parks and how to obtain the discount are available via the website:

Society of London Theatre (q-park.co.uk)

Please note: book your parking in advance of your visit to qualify for the discounted rate.

Sunday 31st May 2.30pm – Relaxed Performance

A Relaxed Performance is adapted to create a supportive atmosphere which includes embracing audience noise and movement.

There will also be designated break out areas so people can come and go from the auditorium as needed.

Information on further access performances will be posted here.

If you would like to be added to our mailing list for notification of upcoming access performances please email the box office at [email protected]