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Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

CRITERION THEATRE


 CLICK HERE TO BUY the CD
of music used in this production

THE 39 STEPS (play)

London, 1930's. A Canadian visitor hooks up with a girl he met at a music hall. She is murdered during their night at his flat. Unsurprisingly this doesn't look good for him, and he is forced to go on the run to prove his innocence and unmask a spy ring...

Four actors perform 150 roles in this faithful and funny adaptation (Flying Scotsman chase, Forth Bridge, biplane crash et al) of the Hitchcock film from the Buchan novel. This production transfers after a successful run at the Tricycle Theatre, London.

Click here now to view video clips from this show.


 

Theatremonkey Opinion:
Not available.


 

Your Reviews: Add your own by clicking here.
Important: Some reviews below can contain "spoilers" - please don't read if this bothers you!

( 7 reviews )

This is a somewhat radical adaptation of the book and the film, with a cast of four playing multiple roles, and such magnificent sets as a step ladder representing the Forth Bridge. It is a delightful and thoroughly entertaining bit of silliness, and performed with the necessary skill to bring off one actor playing three parts in the same scene, and just the right level of hamming it up. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and my thirteen-year-old and other kids in the audience were also entertained. A good show if you feel like fun, and also somewhere for young people to find out that theatre isn't all about million dollar sets and stars.

Incidentally, I think the real show to teach young people about theatre is "The Woman in Black," as it demonstrates how atmosphere can be created from a minimal set and cast, yet remains very accessible.

Sara Levene
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I went to The 39 Steps yesterday (23rd January 2007) and it was brilliant - very inventive. The two 'clowns' were very talented and if you look closely, you could even see Alfred Hitchcock making his usual cameo appearance. I sat in the third row of the stalls and I have to say that my neck did hurt after a while.
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Wednesday 24th January 2007, to "The 39 Steps" at the Criterion.

There are many dramatic techniques. One is to dazzle the audience with a 20-piece orchestra and a cast of thousands. Another (and for obvious reasons a more popular one:-) is to display your skill in presenting an epic story with minimal resources. Patrick Barlow (more usually with his National Theatre of Brent) is a master of such, and his version of Buchan's story is reliably ingenious and witty. Charles Edwards plays the square-jawed, pipe-smoking hero to perfection. The three actors who play everything else give excellent support.

One or two jokes maybe are pushed a little too hard, and a little too long. The show lacks a real 'coup de theatre' (remember the carnival in "Travels With My Aunt"?) But it's all great fun, and I'm delighted (for once) to be able to congratulate the sound designer (Mic Pool) for music and effects that enhanced the show, and were at appropriate volume.
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Want to have a happy night out in London theatre? Than head on to "39 Steps" (and take this awful lot of steps down to Criterion Theatre at Piccadilly Circus!). 4 actors do whatever has to be done to play this comedy /prize-winner / thriller / play and its dozens of roles / parts.

This play with all its wit (and nonsense) fits very well to the wonderful Victorian place, which the Criterion is. But be aware: Unfortunately even our seats are taking part in this play. Their awful noise by every spectators' slightest move spoils some of the fun. One wonders about the management's idea about such ruin and the enjoyment ruining seats.

P., Germany
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Have to admit that I do like a good comedy so when I saw the advert for "The 39 Steps" I booked tickets for 28th August 2007.

Our seats (Stalls E18 and E19) gave a good view of the stage and provided adequate legroom.

This play provides so much fun for the audience through the actors great comic performances, and the clever use of both props and sound.

It's obvious the style has been lovingly taken from 30's British films but that's what gives the play it's charm and fun.

For an evening of hilarity go and book a ticket for "The 39 Steps" you won't be disappointed.
______________________

I saw this production when London had it’s last tube strike (Tuesday 4th September 2007) and it was pretty much sold out when I booked – I was surprised at just how many people still struggled to get there for the 8pm curtain up. I’m so glad I made the effort as I was in such a glum mood as I had to watch it alone as my husband just couldn’t make it in time, that I was laughing within 30seconds. It is so hammy and the characters really play to the audience. With it being an intimate theatre (I was in row M in the stalls and still had a comfy view) they don’t require microphones like in the larger West End theatres so it adds to the theatre experience.

You forget that there are only 4 characters and when they change from one to another before your eyes you seem to accept it and in some parts gasp at the choreography of the production to pull it off so damn well – there were a few instances of sudden applause at the genius of it. It’s a joy to see, very very funny and a real pick me up. I thoroughly recommend it to all ages.

Jackie Bassom,
London
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A friend and I went to the Tuesday matinee of this (8th January 2008), having taken advantage of a £10 ‘best available’ ticket offer. We had seats A22 and A23 in the Dress Circle, which had adequate legroom (friend 5’ 8”) and an excellent view.

39 Steps has quite a short running time (an hour and 45 minutes, including the interval), but is well worth going to. It is funny, fast-paced, much enhanced by brilliant sounds effects and smart stage management and generally good entertainment. We laughed non-stop, as did most of the audience. A pity the house was not fuller, but even so, it’s a delight to go to this gem of a little theatre.
 

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Performance Schedule:
The monkey advises checking performance times on your tickets and that performances are happening as scheduled, before travelling.

Monday to Saturday at 8pm
Tuesday at 3pm and 8pm
Saturday at 4pm and 8pm

Runs 2 hours approximately.
 

Ticket Prices:

Offers May be available - Click Here

View this information in diagram form

Until 11th October 2008:
Stalls
Rows A to N: £42.50
Row P seats 8 to 16, P29, Q 9, 10, 12, 13, 16 and R 13, 14: £32.50
Restricted view Stalls (A 4, 21; B 3, 4, 23; C 2, 3, 23, 24; D 2, 23, 24; E 2, 23, 24; F24; K 1, 2, 21; L 2, 20, 21; M 2, 4, 21, 22; N 1, 3, 4, 20, 21; P 1 to 4, 7, 17, 20, 21, 22; Q 2, 3, 6, 7, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19 to 24; R 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, 20, 23; S 4 to 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18 to 21) and all other stalls seats from row P back: £22.50

Dress Circle £42.50
Restricted view Dress Circle ( AA 1,2, 3, 28, 29; C 1, 2, 5, 9, 20, 24, 27, 28; D 1, 2, 4, 5, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 27, 28; E 1 to 5; 8, 9, 13, 17, 18, 21, 22, 25, 26, 28, 29; F 4 to 7, 10, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27; G 6 to 9) £22.50

Upper Circle row A £29, rows B and C £22.50 except
Restricted view Upper Circle row B 5 to 8 and 26 to 30 and C 6 to 10 £10

Boxes A, B, C and D £22.50 per seat, E and F £10 per seat.

A Family Ticket - half price seats for up to 4 under 16's accompanying an adult - can be purchased with every full price adult ticket. Available from the box office ONLY and subject to box office discretion and availability. Not available for Saturday Evening performances.

 

From 13th October 2008:
Stalls
Rows A to N: £45
Row P seats 8 to 16, P29, Q 9, 10, 12, 13, 16 and R 13, 14: £35
Restricted view Stalls (A 4, 21; B 3, 4, 23; C 2, 3, 23, 24; D 2, 23, 24; E 2, 23, 24; F24; K 1, 2, 21; L 2, 20, 21; M 2, 4, 21, 22; N 1, 3, 4, 20, 21; P 1 to 4, 7, 17, 20, 21, 22; Q 2, 3, 6, 7, 11, 14, 15, 18, 19 to 24; R 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, 20, 23; S 4 to 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18 to 21) and all other stalls seats from row P back: £22.50

Dress Circle £45
Restricted view Dress Circle ( AA 1,2, 3, 28, 29; C 1, 2, 5, 9, 20, 24, 27, 28; D 1, 2, 4, 5, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 27, 28; E 1 to 5; 8, 9, 13, 17, 18, 21, 22, 25, 26, 28, 29; F 4 to 7, 10, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27; G 6 to 9) £22.50

Upper Circle row A £35, rows B and C £25 except
Restricted view Upper Circle row B 5 to 8 and 26 to 30 and C 6 to 10 £12.50

Boxes A, B, C and D £22.50 per seat, E and F £12.50 per seat.

A Family Ticket - half price seats for up to 4 under 16's accompanying an adult - can be purchased with every full price adult ticket. Available from the box office ONLY and subject to box office discretion and availability. Not available for Saturday Evening performances.

 

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here


Buying Tickets Through the Venue:

More Ticket Buying Options

Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems.
Theatre Box Office:
Telephone: 0870 060 2313
( 0161 385 3211 if you cannot use the 0870 number)
Operated by Ticketmaster on behalf of the venue.

Online: www.ticketmaster.co.uk provide the service for this theatre.
If you are unhappy with the tickets offered, keep re-selecting using the "Back" button on your browser, NOT the "reselect button" on the page.

Other Online Booking Options: click here.

Booking fees per ticket for telephone and online bookings:
£2 per booking (not per ticket) handling fee. No fee is charged if you choose to collect your tickets on the day at the venue, rather than have them mailed to you.

For personal callers or by post: Piccadilly Circus, London. W1V 9LB
No booking fee for personal callers.

Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats on 020 7839 8811 and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them. The wheelchair users line connects to the theatre box office in London. See Notes.

 

More Ticket Buying Options: Using S.T.A.R. genuine ticket agencies.
Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems. Offers May be available - Click Here

For performances until 7th June 2008, Theatremonkey readers can buy some top price £42.50 tickets (from agency / offer allocation) reduced to £25 (plus £1.75 per ticket booking fee) at all performances EXCEPT Saturday Evenings.

Ticket selection is from agency's allocation. Subject to allocation availability, change, withdrawal and agency discretion. Some dates may not be available - you will be advised at time of booking. Not available on tickets already purchased.

Book online by clicking here choose title from drop down menu), or by telephone from LoveTheatre, quoting "theatremonkey ticketshop" on 020 7907 7000

At other times, when the theatre does not have the tickets you desire available, it is well worth trying the Theatremonkey Ticketshop agency, which offers £42.50 seats with a £4.25 booking fee per ticket (£32.50 seats with a £3.25 fee) / £45 seats with a £4.50 fee, £35 seats with a £3.50 fee from 13th October 2008 - moderate by agency standards, though higher than box office fees, worth trying as they often have an alternative choice of seats available! Simply select the show from the "drop down" menu in the centre of the page. Note that this system will confirm exact seat numbers prior to purchase.

Another alternative is www.seetickets.com / telephone 0870 830 0200 which offers £42.50 seats with a £4.25 per ticket booking fee (£45 seats with a £4.50 fee from 13th October 2008) and £1.60 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge.

Encore Tickets offer £42.50 seats with a £10.50 booking fee per ticket plus optional UK postage of £1 per booking, not per ticket, available if time allows until 11th October 2008. Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available. Quality and Value hotel / theatre ticket packages are also available.

Other Independent S.T.A.R. ticket agencies may also offer an alternative choice of seats.
 

 
 
Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Theatre Seat Opinions:
Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view / location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to reflect this difference.

This theatre is underground. It is a very long walk down to the stalls and longer back up to the surface. The infirm or those not related to mountain goats (theatremonkey fortunately has a caprine third cousin) should consider the Upper Circle, which is only just below street level!
 

Seating Plan Diagram

Stalls Dress Circle Upper Circle Notes

STALLS 
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row H. This noticeably affects the view of the top of the stage from row M back.

Pillars in rows J, K, N and P further affect views from the rear stalls.

Rows A to H seats 5 to 20 offer at least fair value - even if upholstered in a pink shade hitherto unknown to nature. Row E back seems to satisfy most people the most! One reader also rates the seats old, uncomfortable and creaky too...

A reader notes:
"Sat in seat A16 in the stalls. OK, it’s very close to the action – but it was great!"

Reader Jon B adds:
"My seat in the stalls (E 16) was fine with a good close view of the stage and reasonable leg room. There's very little rake on the stalls so you could be unlucky if someone tall sits in front of you."

Further along the row, a reader reports,
"Stalls E18 and E19 gave a good view of the stage and provided adequate legroom."

Another reader feels, though:
"Sat in row G of the stalls - next time I would definitely choose the dress circle. The rake of the stalls is non-existent and being of fairly average height, I found it hard to make out some of the tap dancing etc at the production I saw."

For "The 39 Steps" (September 2006) the front 3 rows are reduced if booked in advance... worthwhile, feels the monkey, as a cheap alternative to rear Stalls or row A Upper Circle. One reader did note neck-ache in row C, though.

Rows J to L seats 1 to 4 (L 2 to 4) and 19 to 22 should be avoided as the first pillars interfere here. Accept row J to L seats 5 to 18 grudgingly - frankly, the rest are better.

Reader Jackie Bassom noted seats in row M gave a comfy view.

In the rear stalls row P 12, 15 and 16 normally combine second price with a reasonably pillar free view. All other second price seats are not on this monkey's to buy list unless legroom is a factor.

Seats in the stalls affected by pillars are:
K 1 and 21; L 2; M 2, 4 and 21; N 1, 3, 4 and 20; P 1 to 4, 7 and 17 to 22; Q 1 to 7, 11, 14, 15, 18 to 24; R 1 to 7, 11, 12, 15, 16 and 19 to 23; S 4 to 7, 10, 11, 14, 15 and 18 to 21.

For "The 39 Steps" (September 2006) almost all rear stalls are at third price, making these less avoidable than usual - but still worth picking those not actually behind a pillar, of course.

Other officially "restricted view" stalls seats are: A 4 and 21, B 3 and 4, C 2, 3 and 24; D 2 and E 2. An extended proscenium wall seems to be the cause and some readers may want to avoid the seats next to these too. On the other hand, the view is pretty good unless the actors stand far over to the side of the stage... and the price is lower too...

Some feel that C3 and 23 and M 4 and 21 are worthwhile at fourth price, despite restricted views, and a few others are happy with the first seats in rows D, E, L and M too at the same price. The rest of the Stalls seats can cheerfully be ignored by most, though, is the feeling. Also, the edges for row A to E (A to F on the "high numbers" side) have been reduced - partly due to the fake proscenium arch, guesses the monkey. Worth a look at the price perhaps, for the less picky.

Legroom is adequate throughout the Stalls. Reader Steph feels that central row A legroom is notably good.

 

DRESS CIRCLE 
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row B. Pillars holding it up are liberally scattered in front of row C.

Row B seats 10 to 20 are the best value here, followed (for the less long legged) by row A 9 to 25. If given the choice though, this monkey opts for top price stalls instead.

In row A, a reader says,
"We had seats A22 and A23 in the Dress Circle, which had adequate legroom (friend 5’ 8”) and an excellent view."

Reader Dan notes,
"I went to see 'The 39 Steps' in December 2007. We had booked a 'best available seat' deal for the bargain price of £10 per ticket, and were allocated Dress Circle Row B, seats 6 to 9. For my friends in seats 6 to 8, the view was fantastic as there was no one in front of them. Unfortunately, I had a (normal-sized) gentleman in front of me in seat A9, whose head blocked out a portion of the centre of the stage for much of the performance. Strangely enough, I didn't actually miss much of the action, but I just wanted to advise fellow theatregoers that the Dress Circle rake at this theatre doesn't really count for much. I probably could have moved to one of the seats in Row AA, but didn't think this would actually improve things due to the odd viewing angle from there. In any case, for £10 I was hardly complaining!"

Of the other seats, only C 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18 and 19 are worthwhile since they are between the pillars.

Seats officially designated "restricted view" due to pillars are: 
Row C 5, 9, 20 and 24; D 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 27 and 28; E 1 to 5, 8, 9, 13, 17, 18, 21, 22, 25, 28 and 29; F 4 to 7, 10, 21, 22, 25 to 27; G 6 to 9. AA 1, 2, 3, 28 and 29 also have viewing problems.

Legroom is poor for the taller, worst in row A.

 

 

Dress Circle Boxes
Boxes A, B, C and D are at Dress Circle level. All are located at the sides of the theatre, either side of the stage.

Boxes A and B are best, followed by C and D. All offer a side view of the stage; the odd viewing angle preventing seeing the nearest edge of the stage to the box.

These boxes offer a good alternative to all the pillar blighted seats in the rest of the theatre. A and B seat 4 people, C and D seat 2.

 

UPPER CIRCLE
This overhangs the Dress Circle at row B.

Being fairly low and without any pillars (how does the roof stay up?) these seats are good value normally. Select row B first, then C, then A as last resort - it is much more expensive too, so go for B and save money! 

A reader reports, though,
"The front row may be cramped but I would try it if I wanted to go again. I was in B11, my daughter and wife were in B12 and B13. My wife had difficulty until she could lean sideways after B14 and B15 decamped to somewhere in C. I was lucky, A10 and A11 did not turn up, but if A11 had done his/her head would have been centre stage. My wife tells me that row C were complaining and asking, without success, to be moved."

Two wheelchair spaces next to C20. The view is slightly restricted but adequate value. See notes.

Legroom is poor, notably in row A.

 

Upper Circle Boxes
Boxes E and F are at Upper Circle level. Both are located at the sides of the theatre, either side of the stage.

They offer a side view of the stage; the odd viewing angle preventing seeing the nearest edge of the stage to the box.

Sold at third price normally, these boxes offer a good alternative to all the pillar blighted seats in the rest of the theatre. Both seat 2 people.

Reader James says,
"Sat in Box E - the view was fine for £10, but you really do have to lean forwards to see anything, almost out of the box! Hard on the legs too, as you're pressed right up against the edge of the box. Also worth knowing is that the boxes can only be booked over the phone, and no booking fee or postage was charged at all, unlike for the other seats in the theatre!"

 

Notes
Total 590 seats.

Air-conditioned auditorium.

Hearing loop available. Occasional signed performances. Guide dog sitter available. Access to Wheelchair places via firedoor and down a slope. Adapted unisex toilet available (segregated would have been nicer). Specific details www.theatre-access.co.uk, Artsline 020 7388 2227, email artsline@dicon.co.uk

No food except Ice cream and confectionery.

Two Bars. Stalls and Dress Circle.

2 toilets. Dress Circle 1 gents 3 cubicles, 1 ladies 8 cubicles.
Reader Sara Levene comments,
"I would like to commend this theatre for having 8 cubicles in the stalls’ Ladies loo – all female theatregoers will understand that this is a very positive recommendation."

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Getting to this Theatre
Find this theatre on a Street Map
Nearest Underground Station Buses Car Park
Nearest Underground Station:
Piccadilly Circus - Piccadilly (Dark Blue) and Bakerloo (Brown) lines.

Plan your tube journey to this station using the button below:

The escalator from the platforms ends in a large circular underground area. 

After leaving the barriers, turn to your left, and follow the curve of the barriers around until you see an exit to your right with the sign "Subway 4" over it. Walk under this sign.

Walk through this tunnel and ignore the first staircase to your right, marked "Shaftesbury Avenue". Continue along the tunnel passing the "Trocadero" doors, and follow it as it curves round. Follow the arrow on the sign ahead of you that says "Eros" - it points on down the tunnel to your right. 

In this new section of tunnel, take the stairs ahead and to your right up to the street.

At the top of the stairs, the Criterion Theatre is to your right.

 

Buses:
3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 55, 88, and 159 to Piccadilly Circus.

 

Car Park:
Denman Street. Leave the car park and turn to your left. Walk to the end of the street into Shaftesbury Avenue. If you pass the Piccadilly Theatre, wrong way.

At Shaftesbury Avenue turn to your right and walk along through the covered area filled with ATM cash points and artists towards Piccadilly Circus. If you pass the Lyric Theatre, wrong way.

On Piccadilly Circus, pick any crossing route to the statue known as Eros (actually the Angel of Charity, Lord Shaftesbury's monument) - a bloke with a bow and arrow. This stands on a large pedestrian area on one side of the square. The Criterion Theatre is behind it.

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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