Novello Theatre
About Novello Theatre
- The Novello Theatre has a seating capacity of 1088.
- It is divided into four sections - 479 Stall seats, 249 Dress Circle seats, 218 Grand Circle seats and 142 Balcony seats.
Novello Theatre Seating Plan >
Inaugurated in 1905 under the name of Waldorf Theatre, the theatre was renamed Strand in 1913. The theatre lived through WW1, with close to 19 bombs dropping on Strand, but the performance of the night, The Scarlet Pimpernel, continued.
The theatre underwent major renovations in 1930 and 1970, and received its Grade 2 rating in 1971. The theatre changed hands numerous times and was finally named after the composer Ivor Novello, who lived in an apartment above the theatre.
Today, the Novello theatre is run by the organization Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, along with seven other equally prestigious theatres.
- The three-story Novello theatre was designed by W.G.R. Sprague.
- The exterior of the theatre was designed as a classic facade made of Portland stone, and the interior was built with marble and gilt.
- The overall colour scheme for the theatre was cream and rose du Barry.
- Some of the notable architectural features of the theatre include the intricately patterned brass fingerplates.
- Due to the traditional 1900s layout of the auditorium and its curvaceous sweep, some side seats, as well as the boxes have a slightly restricted view.
- The Novello greatly resembles the Aldwych Theatre, famously known as the Novello’s twin as they share the same architect and designer.
One of the first productions dating back to 1905 was Lights Out. No Sex Please, We’re British! Ran for over 10 years at Novello, before being transferred to Garrick Theatre. The famous play Cabaret was performed at Novello between 1986 and 1987. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) arrived on the scene in 2005 for two years, and performed famous plays including A Midsummer Night's Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, The Comedy of Errors, As You Like It and more. The RSC reconvened at Novello in 2008 with performances including Hamlet and Taming of the Shrew. In 2012, Novello became the home ground for the famous Mamma Mia! rendition, that used to be performed earlier at the Prince of Wales theatre.
Know Before You Go
- Train: The closest train station to the Novello theatre is Charing Cross, which is a fifteen-minute walk away.
- Tube: The closest tube stations to the Novello theatre are Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Holborn, which are served by Picadilly and Central lines.
- Bus: The nearest bus stops are frequented by bus numbers 6, 15, 11 and 26.
- Parking: You can park at the Q-Park Theatreland, which has a parking scheme for 50% off car parking after midday for up to 4 hours. You could also park at the NCP parking slots available in Drury Lane. Disabled parking bays are available nearby on Tavistock Street and Wellington Street. You will also have to take into account London’s Congestion Charge Zone in which the theatre falls, costing you £11.50 per weekday between 7 AM - 6 PM and free after.
- Cloakroom: The theatre has a cloakroom with the capacity to accommodate small bags and coats. This is a paid service.
- Lifts: Wheelchair access lifts are available, and manual wheelchairs are also available on request.
- Washrooms: Washrooms are available on all levels.
- Bars: The theatre has four in-house bars for any mid-performance refreshments required.
- Air Conditioning: The theatre is fully air-conditioned.
- Gift Shops: Gift shops are spread across the theatre, with entrances from every level if you would like to partake in some merchandise shopping.
- Access Lifts: Wheelchair-friendly lifts are available for easy movement across floors.
- Access Washrooms: Wheelchair-accessible washroom facilities are available on the Dress Circle level, which is the only step-free level.
- Trained Hosts: Access hosts are always on duty to assist with any needs.
- Wheelchair Spaces: Special wheelchair spaces can be reserved in case a guest doesn’t want to switch to a fixed seat.
- Discounts: Discounted tickets are usually available for disabled guests and one companion, depending on the show
- Outside Food: The theatre does not entertain outside food and beverages. All drinks purchased at the bar must be transferred to plastic cups before entering the auditorium, as there is a no-glass policy in place.
- Refreshment: The theatre has its own restaurant and bar for refreshments
- Latecomers Policy: You will not be allowed to enter the theatre after the start of a performance, till the next break.
- Security: Sniffer dogs are stationed at the theatre entrances for additional security checks
- Packages: For an extravagant experience, you could opt for packages that include premium seats, meet-and-greet services, drinks and special hosts.
- Booster Seats: Booster cushions are not available for children, however visitors are welcome to bring their own.
- Ticket Pick-up: While picking up pre-booked tickets, the debit/credit card and valid ID proof will be required.
Roka Aldwych: This Japanese restaurant is known for its brunch services and quality food. They’re also known to cater to dietary restrictions. - Directions to Roka Aldwych
Spring: Head here if you enjoy a modern European setup and menu. The restaurant is located within a restored 19th-century Somerset home. - Directions to Spring
The Ivy Market Grill: This British restaurant is famous for its vegetarian and vegan food options, alongside its seasonal British menu. - Directions to The Ivy Market Grill
Somerset House: Somerset House is primarily a bar, which is famous for its delightful cocktails and drinks. They also have a tapas menu for some light tastings. - Directions to Somerset House
Thai Square: Head here if you’re a fan of pad thai, fish cakes and panang, because this outlet will have you savouring their Thai cuisine. - Directions to Thai Square
Frequently Asked Questions About Novello Theatre
Novello Theatre is on Aldwych, in the City of Westminster. It is located between Charing Cross and City Thameslink Stations.
The theatre is conveniently placed and easily accessible by bus, train, or tube.
Novello Theatre has staged several productions including musicals, ballet, plays, and operas. A few notable ones include No Sex Please, We’re British!, Hamlet, Mamma Mia!, among others.
The price of the tickets depends on the show that you choose to watch and the timing of the same.
You can book your tickets to shows playing at the Novello Theatre online at London Theatre Tickets. You will get the best deals and discounts and all the information you need at your fingertips.
No, there is no official dress code to the theatre, however do dress to be comfortable. The theatre is air-conditioned so it is advisable to come prepared.
Yes, the Theatre has been designed to be extremely friendly and accessible to the differently abled. The Dress Circle level is step-free and wheelchair accessible.
Yes, there are restaurants and cocktail bars inside the theatre. You will also find numerous dining options around the theatre like Somerset House, Thai Square, and others.
There are quite a few attractions near Novello Theatre that you can explore before you go for a show. Some of these include The Courtauld Gallery, The London Film Museum, Covent Garden, and the Duchess Theatre.
