Criterion Theatre

Very old small theater… not a lot of leg room. Seats are small. 2 floors.
During intermission, I saw staffs were selling something in the lobby. Guess what? ICE-​CREAM! And they are in high demand. People waiting in line just to get some ice-​cream.
They do have concession stand, selling alcohol and snacks.
The show is funny. Tickets not too expansive. The theater is in the Piccadilly Circus area. So it is nice to hang out that area for the day… shopping, dinner then show.

Came to see the 39 Steps and whilst in places it was amusing it was slightly more slapstick than I’d usually choose, however overall I did enjoy myself.
We came with Encore Tickets (Virgin Experience Vouchers) and were unaware that the seats we had been given were at the top of the theatre and very far away from the stage, but the theatre upgraded us to seats that were double the price as the upper circle was closed (had a «small crowd» in that day).
Staff are efficient, the place is small but tidy and elegant, and if you are unaware of the history of this place you should do a little reading on Wikipedia about it as it has quite a fascinating story to it.
A note: the staff are very strict about the no photography rule, and as soon as you take your phone out and point it at the main stage you *will* get pounced on!

The theatre is stunning, old and truly makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, just off Piccadilly Circus the hustle and bustle creates such excitement around the theatre. The food and drink from the bar is pricey, but what makes this trip is the show.
If you haven’t seen the 39 Steps then go see it now! Go! It’s an impressive play performed by just three people! I’ve been to see it twice because the experience is wonderful. And though the seats on the balcony were perhaps a bit tiny and uncomfortable, I couldn’t give this less than five stars because I’d keep going back just to watch the performers.
A well worthwhile evening out.

This is such a cool theatre. Bustling around Piccadilly Circus, you don’t think for one second that this theatre exists, under ground and so well turned out.
The décor is fabulous. I felt like I was in an Agatha Christie story with the Art Deco feel to the place. And the music piped into the bar.
The theatre itself is breathtaking. I immediately took out my phone to take a picture of it (completely unaware of the no photography policy in the main auditorium). I felt like a naughty child bring told off sternly. I’m still a bit miffed why no photography is allowed at all i.e. not even before or after the performance. The place is so beautiful.
The performance of The 39 Steps is excellent. So funny and so engaging the whole way through. Highly recommend this. We got our tickets the week before on
for a really good price, as an FYI.
The lady in the bar was really nice, she was American and was really knowledgeable about the bar and the theatre, she really added to the experience of the whole night.
I’d highly recommend a visit to the Criterion and The 39 Steps.

The place is really nice looking to start with (outside and inside). Seats are comfy and it’s easy to find the seat you actually booked.
Then the play; 39 Steps is brilliant; funny, well acted with an excellent use of simple prompts.
Finally the icecream in the break is a delight! (And the bar too!!)
:D

Best show in London and I mean that very seriously. Very clever and funny. For only having four actors, they do a phenomenal job.
I would go see The 39 Steps before I’d see any other show in London. But lucky you, most people would rather see Wicked or Les Mis, so you can watch a superior show while they go see some over crowded and overpriced show.

The 39 Steps is one of the greatest shows I have ever seen! I went in not expecting too much to be honest — it wasn’t a show I’d really heard of before and it didn’t have the reputation of West End/​Broadway shows. I couldn’t have been more wrong!
This show is essentially 4 actors playing a whole range of characters loosely based around some of Hitchcock’s most famous movies. Even if you’re not a Hitchcock fan, you’re bound to get some of the references and most of them are very clever. The actors themselves are amazing — I have no idea how they can switch characters so flawlessly (especially the accents!) and I spent most of the play laughing.
This is a must see for anyone in London, especially given that the price is much lower than most West End shows, you can find great deals for it, and I’d easily spend the money and see it again!

I dont often write 5* star reviews, but this one, for The 39 Steps is deserving.
Why? Great offbeat comedy, lots of physical comedic jokes, and Hitchcock puns.
There are only 4 actors in this, but playing a variety of roles, makng it more amusing and even more impressive when you see the speed and skill that their roles demand.
Well worth it.
Thx Dad for the tickets!

I was also really impressed by The 39 Steps. My dad had bought us tickets, and I was a bit ‘meh’ about it in advance. The show was funny in an excellently knowing way, and also had brilliant physical comedy. Great treat!

39 Steps is well worth seeing. Four actors, dozens of roles, terrific Hitchcock puns, quite funny.

This theatre is bang in the middle of Picadilly Circus, and currently houses the outrageously funny ’39 steps’. A spoof take-​off of the Hitchcock film, this play features four actors playing hundreds of parts as they try top tell the story of the thriller.
Centring on Richard Hannay, the plots is a whirlwind journey of accused murder, escape to the highlands, and the pursuit of the elusive secret of the ’39 steps’. The real treat of this production is the theatricality of it. ‘What, is that the phone?’ Hannay asks in frustration, and a moment later the telephone rings. Two clowns change hats and characters with lightning speed and enormous hilarity. All in all, a jolly good night out.