Noel Coward Theatre
Sections:
Theatre build date:
1903
History:
Built as a back to back pair with the Wyndhams Theatre in 1903, the then called New Theatre opened with Rosemary, a play starring the actor-manager Charles Wyndham and his wife Mary Moore. An instant success, the New theatre has played host to a variety of productions, including Fred Terry’s The Scarlet Pimpernel (1905) which began a hugely popular run of six month repertory seasons from 1905 to 1913.
When the theatre was taken over in 1915 by Dion Boucicault, the success didn’t stop, with productions such as Noel Coward’s debut, I’ll Leave It Up To You (1920), George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan (1924) and a number of Shakespeare’s plays starring John Gielgud, including Hamlet (1934) and Romeo And Juliet (1935) which also featured Laurence Olivier.
The New Theatre was also the first home of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! in 1960, launching the careers of such child stars as Phil Collins, Tony Robinson and Davy Jones. Avenue Q began its hugely successful run in the newly refurbished and renamed Noel Coward theatre in June 2006.
Hauntings:
Original manager Sir Charles Wyndham is said to have been seen numerous times backstage, walking the corridors and making appearances in dressing rooms.
Previously called:
The New Theatre (1903-1973)
The Albery Theatre (1973-2006)
Previously showing:
RSC Season 2004-2005
The Shaughraun (2005)
Ducktastic! (2005)
Celebration- Harold Pinter (2005)
A Christmas Carol (2005)
Blackbird (2006)
Close to:
Leicester Square
Trafalgar Square
The National Gallery
Contact Details
Noel Coward Theatre
St Martins Lane
WC2N 4AU
For all ticket enquiries, call:
0871 789 1004
Map
Facilities
Theatre capacity:
872
Stage door location:
The Noel Coward stage door is just down the left hand side of the building.
Theatre layout:
Like its partner, the Wyndhams Theatre, the seating in the Noel Coward Theatre is arranged in a four tier layout: Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony. Despite refurbishments, the four tier structure does mean that there is not great distance between the levels and only the Royal Circle offers clear views all the way to the back (the Stalls offer clear and unobstructed views to row O).
The Grand Circle and Balcony have slip seats, and because they do not face the stage directly, the height means that the slip seats in the Balcony are restricted view.
Air conditioned:
No
