Novello Theatre

Capacity1105 Seats

Seating Tiers4 Levels

Venue SizeMedium

Theatre GroupDelfont Mackintosh Theatres

Theatre Website

About The Venue

The Novello Theatre, originally the Waldorf Theatre, opened in 1905 and was renamed in 2005 to honour composer Ivor Novello, who lived above the theatre. Designed by W.G.R. Sprague, it boasts an elegant Edwardian interior with ornate plasterwork and a grand proscenium arch. Despite its capacity, it maintains an intimate atmosphere, making it a beloved venue for musicals and plays in the West End.

Seating

Located underground and reached via 32 steps down from the foyer, the Stalls level holds the largest portion of the theatre's capacity. The seating begins at Row C, bypassing Rows A and B entirely, and rests on a progressive incline that ensures completely clear, pillar-free views of the stage. The Dress Circle above overhangs this tier beginning at Row P, resulting in a low ceiling in Rows T through X that clips the top of the proscenium arch. Centre seats in Rows G through L (seats 7 to 20) are the premium sweet spot, offering an ideal eye-level perspective without neck strain. Standard legroom is tight due to the historic footprint, though seats J11 and J21 provide slightly more knee clearance, and modern floor-vent cooling keeps the entire subterranean level comfortable.

Toilets

Toilets on all levels. Accessible toilet on Dress Circle level, step-free from Row A.

Bars

Four licensed bars: Sam's Bar (behind foyer), The Shubert Bar (Dress Circle level), Ivor's Bar (Stalls), and The Waldorf Bar (Grand Circle and Balcony).

Cloakroom

Main foyer; accepts coats and small bags for a small charge (£1 per item).

Box Office

2.5 hours before show until 15 mins after start. On matinee days, remains open between performances.

Stage Door

Located on the side of the theatre.

Location

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Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD

Directions

The Novello Theatre is conveniently located near several Tube stations. The nearest stations are Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), Holborn (Central and Piccadilly Lines), Temple (District and Circle Lines), and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern Lines). Charing Cross also offers National Rail services. Numerous bus routes serve the Aldwych and Strand areas, with stops directly outside or very close to the theatre.

At this Venue

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