
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.
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Seating
- StallsThe premium choice for clear views, though legroom is tight and the back rows feel low.
- Dress CirclePrime central views and great accessibility, just avoid the far sides and rear rows.
- Grand CircleGreat value for clear views, but expect tight legroom and a steep climb.
- BalconyFor the truly budget-conscious, but prepare for discomfort, distance, and a serious climb.
Stalls
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.
Dress Circle
The Dress Circle, the first tier upstairs, sweeps in a broad horseshoe curve around the proscenium. For immaculate, elevated panoramic views of the stage, aim for the central seats in Rows A through D (seats 7 to 18).
However, be aware that the extreme side wings in Rows AA and BB face the performance at a sharp 90-degree angle, requiring you to lean forward to see the stage wings clearly. The Grand Circle overhangs the rear rows past Row K, which will cut off the very top of the stage frame if you stand during curtain calls.
While standard legroom is tight in the Centre block, the side Dress Circle Slips offer significantly more space as they lack seat backs directly in front. This tier is accessible via 15 steps from the foyer, or step-free via a Catherine Street entrance and platform lift, providing wheelchair space at AA11 and transfer seating at A24, alongside an accessible restroom.
Grand Circle
218 seatsAscend 39 stairs from the foyer to the Grand Circle, the third tier upstairs, which holds 218 seats. Thanks to its steep vertical pitch, sightlines are excellent, and the heads of guests in front will rarely block your view.
Centre seats in Rows A through C provide clean, excellent sightlines, making this a smart choice for budget-conscious viewers. However, the front Row AA is sold at a lower price point because the heavy safety railing along the balcony ledge cuts directly through the lower field of view.
Legroom across the entire tier is highly compressed; tall patrons should target aisle seats to allow room to stretch their legs diagonally. Be prepared for a precipitous feel when moving down the steep central aisles.
Balcony
142 seatsPrepare for a grueling climb of 65 stairs from the foyer to reach the Balcony, the highest and most distant level, which holds 142 seats across Rows A through F. From here, you'll find yourself far removed from the stage, making it difficult to read facial expressions or catch quiet dialogue.
The front Row A is heavily obstructed by the mandatory balcony safety railing, forcing you to sit perfectly upright or peer underneath the metal barrier to see downstage action. The seats themselves are notoriously upright, firm, and tightly packed, offering minimal knee clearance, making this the most uncomfortable tier in the theatre.
Additionally, heat rises heavily into this upper dome, leaving the air noticeably warmer and more humid than any other section of the building.
See the view from your seat
SeatPlan has photographs taken from individual seats at the Novello Theatre, alongside a full seating plan and reviews from people who sat there. Worth a look before you commit to a restricted-view seat.
View seat photos and planAffiliate link — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the Novello Theatre, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- Strand Palaceabout 5 min walk
- The Z Hotel Covent Gardenabout 5 min walk
- Zedwell Tottenham Court Roadabout 15 min walk
Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.
Facilities
Toilets
| Gents | Ladies | Access. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stalls | Gents on Stalls | Ladies on Stalls | No Accessible on Stalls |
| Dress Circle | Gents on Dress Circle | Ladies on Dress Circle | Accessible on Dress Circle |
| Grand Circle | Gents on Grand Circle | Ladies on Grand Circle | No Accessible on Grand Circle |
| Balcony | Gents on Balcony | Ladies on Balcony | No Accessible on Balcony |
Accessible toilet is step-free from Row A.
Box office
Open 2.5 hours before show until 15 minutes after start. On matinee days, remains open between performances.
Accepts coats and small bags.
Stage door
Located on the side of the theatre.
Location
Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD
Getting there
nearest first
- 5 min
Covent Garden
Piccadilly - 7 min
Holborn
CentralPiccadilly - 10 min
Charing Cross
NorthernBakerlooNational Rail
Bus stops on Aldwych and Strand are serviced by numerous routes. The nearest bus stops are Aldwych / Drury Lane (S) and Savoy Street (U), both approximately a 3-minute walk away. Routes include 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 76, 87, 91, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, RV1, and X68.
Step-by-step walking 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.

