Which seats provide value for money?
The front row of the Upper Circle
Which seats to choose if money were no matter?
Seats 12-21 in the front row of the Dress Circle
Which seats provide the best views of the stage?
Seats in Central Stalls section and Row A (12-21) in Dress Circle.
The Stalls section is the largest in the theatre, offering 361 seats in total. It's worth noting that this section is located below ground level and has unique features, including support pillars scattered throughout, which give it an unusual shape. These pillars, positioned near rows J, M, and N, result in restricted views for rows L to S.
One important thing to know is that there are no aisles separating the seats, and the rows themselves are narrow and straight. Because of this layout, end seats often have restricted views, and there's no natural curve to the rows. Additionally, the seats in the stalls aren't raked, meaning that audience members in the front rows may obstruct the view for those in the rear.
With only 159 seats, the Dress Circle is the second largest section in the theatre. The first of two elevated levels, the dress circle offers a generally great look at the stage. The great view can be attributed to the small size of the section, with only six and a half rows that curve in a horseshoe shape. Like the stalls, there are three support pillars in this section as well, which partially obstruct the view. Unlike the stalls though, the dress circle is well-raked, which means the view is not obstructed for patrons sitting in the rear rows. The overhang for the Upper Circle begins from C and the seats at the end of row C offer a restricted view and should be avoided. The dress circle has seven rows in the range of A to G with seats numbered between 1 to 29.
The upper circle, the final seating section, offers a limited 65 seats spread across three rows: A, B, and C, with seat numbers ranging from 5 to 30. Centre seats in rows B and C provide an excellent view of the stage, offering a pleasant surprise. However, it's best to avoid the corner seats in these rows, as they have restricted views and poor sightlines. Row A seats are budget-friendly but offer limited legroom due to their placement.
The Criterion Theatre has three sections: Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle.
The seats with the best view of the stage are in the front row of the Dress Circle in seats 12-21, with central Stalls seating also being excellent.
The best value seats in the Criterion Theatre are the ones towards the ends of the rows in the Upper Circle. These seats are severely discounted and offer a superb view of the stage.
The Stalls section is the main seating area in the Criterion Theatre. It is located on the ground floor and has a capacity of 361 seats. The Stalls section is divided into three blocks: left, centre, and right. The best seats in the Stalls section are located in the centre block, as they offer the best views of the stage. However, there are also some good seats in the left and right blocks, especially if you are able to sit in the front few rows.
The Dress Circle is the second seating tier in the Criterion Theatre. It is located above the Stalls and below the Upper Circle. The Dress Circle has a capacity of 159 seats.
The Upper Circle is the highest seating section in the Criterion Theatre. It has a capacity of 65 seats and is located above the Dress Circle. Seats in the Upper Circle are typically the most affordable, but they may have restricted views due to support pillars.
The Criterion Theatre has wheelchair accessibility in the Upper Circle. There are two wheelchair spaces located in Row C, seats C10 - C15. The Upper Circle is accessible via a slight slope from the wheelchair entrance on Jermyn Street.