The Criterion Theatre
BEST FOR
Ages 5+
WHERE
London
What it’s like
A West End theatre show for kids five and up, with strict bag checks and no under-fives allowed in.
This is a proper theatre trip rather than a soft play or a farm, so the deal is different: you turn up, find your seats, and watch a show rather than let anyone charge about. That makes it one for a five-year-old who can sit through a performance, not a toddler who needs to move.
Getting in is stricter than you might expect. Bag checks are required and they want you there 15 minutes early, so factor that into your journey rather than cutting it fine. Cloakroom space is genuinely tight too, only essential handbag-size bags at £1 a go, and anything bigger needs sorting elsewhere beforehand. Food brought in from outside is a no, whether that's a sandwich or a hot drink, though anything you buy at the theatre bar can go into the auditorium in a plastic cup if the staff allow it on the day.
Booking is all through the theatre itself rather than a resale site. Online it's open around the clock, and if you'd rather speak to someone or turn up in person, the box office runs Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm on the phone and 12 noon to 8pm in person, with slightly shorter Sunday hours of 11:30am to 7:30pm by phone and 12 noon to 7:30pm in person. Tickets land by email a week before the show, or straight away if you book last minute, with a text reminder on the day itself.
It's bang in the middle of things, a minute's walk from Piccadilly Circus tube, so you're not hunting for a car park. If you do drive, street parking is pay and display and limited, and the nearest proper option is Q-Park Leicester Square, which does a half-price Theatreland deal if you book it ahead.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 5 and up, since under-fives aren't admitted
- Parking
- Limited street parking with pay & display
- Getting there by bus or train
- Piccadilly Circus 1 minute walk (Piccadilly & Bakerloo lines)
- Arrive 15 minutes early, bag checks are part of the routine
- eTickets come by email a week out, with a text reminder the morning of the show
- Group bookings get their own rates, call the box office direct
- Q-Park Leicester Square offers 50% off if you book ahead through the Theatreland scheme
Plan your visit
How do we book tickets?
Through the theatre's own website, which is open 24 hours, or by phone Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 11:30am to 7:30pm. You can also book in person Tuesday to Saturday 12 noon to 8pm or Sunday 12 noon to 7:30pm.
Is it OK for a toddler?
No, under-fives aren't admitted at all, so this one's for the school-age crowd.
Can we bring snacks or a coffee in with us?
Outside food and hot drinks aren't allowed on the premises. Drinks bought at the theatre bar can go into the auditorium in plastic cups if staff agree.
What about bags and buggies?
Cloakroom space is very limited, so only small handbag-size bags are taken, at £1 each. Bigger bags need to go to a local storage company instead.
How do we get there?
Piccadilly Circus is a minute's walk away on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines. Parking is tight nearby, so the tube's the easier bet.
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