Criterion Theatre, London

Current show: The 39 Steps with daytime performances of Peppa Pig's Party (from 29 November 2010 to 19 December 2010)
Architect: Thomas Verity Opened: 21 March 1874 Listed: Grade II*	Seats: 585 on 3 levels Archive: Previous shows at this theatre

Apart from the Box Office area, the entire theatre is under ground! and is reached by descending a strikingly tiled stairway. The theatre was originally intended as a concert hall, but it was decided to change it to a theatre during the construction. The building was originally gaslight and had only basic ventilation, in 1883 it was forced to close by the local council. The theatre was the modified with proper ventilation and was electrified and was reopened the following year. Like other theatres from the same time, columns are used to support both the Dress Circle and the Upper Circle, which means that many of the seats have a 'restricted view'. The theatre closed in 1989 (during the reconstruction of Piccadilly Circus) and was extensively refurbished, reopening in October 1992.

Recent productions at this theatre include Kevin Elyot's comedy My Night With Reg which transferred here from the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs on 21 November 1994 and went on to win the Best Comedy Award, Evening Standard Awards 1994. The Reduced Shakespeare Company's production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Abridged opened here on 7 March 1996.

List of shows currently playing in London's West End