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CRITERION THEATRE |
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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.
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Theatremonkey Opinion: |
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Not available.
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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
______________________ 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.
______________________ 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.
______________________ 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
______________________ 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
_______________________ 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.
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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.
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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.
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Buying Tickets Through the Venue: |
More Ticket Buying Options |
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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.
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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.
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Theatre Seat Opinions: |
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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!
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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."
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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.
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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.
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