Criterion Theatre (Sydney)

Criterion Theatre

Address	Corner of Pitt and Park Street Sydney Australia
Type	Proscenium arch
Capacity	991
Construction
Opened	27 December 1886
Closed	13 July 1935
Demolished	1935
Architect	George R Johnson

For other uses, see Criterion Theatre (disambiguation).

The Criterion Theatre in Sydney, Australia was built in 1886 by architect George R Johnson on the south east corner of Pitt and Park streets. The Criterion Theatre, or 'Cri', was Sydney's most famous intimate playhouse at the time. With a Neo-Renaissance exterior and a capacity of approximately 991 seats, the Criterion was used for drama performances for almost 50 years. Closing in 1935, it was demolished to facilitate the widening of Park Street. The Criterion Hotel was built on the narrow strip of land remaining, a legacy of one of Sydney's earliest theatres.