
Noel Coward Theatre
The Noël Coward Theatre opened on 12th March 1903. Back then it was named the New Theatre. Designed by W. G. R. Sprague, who designed several West End theatres, the exterior takes on a classical style, with a lavish interior in a Rococo style. The theatre was commissioned by Sir Charles Wyndham who’s other theatre, the Wyndham’s Theatre, sits behind the Noël Coward. A major refurbishment took place in 2006, though most of the theatres original features and design have been retained, and it is notable for its use of white and gold in its interior, and the portrait medallions that line the walls, depicting French Kings and Queens.
In 1973 the theatre’s name was changed from the New Theatre to the Albery Theatre, as a tribute to the theatre’s long-serving manager Sir Bronson Albery. Sir Cameron Mackintosh acquired the theatre through his company, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, in 2005 and renamed the theatre the Noël Coward Theatre in memory of the famous playwright, who had also appeared at the theatre in 1920 in the first play of his to be performed in the West End, I’ll Leave It To You.
The theatre famously played host to two theatre companies whose theatres were destroyed during the Blitz – the Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells both performed at the theatre until their new theatres were built in the 1950s. The theatre also played host to the premiere of Lionel Bart’s world famous musical Oliver! The show was a huge success, running for 2,618 performances.
Several notable actors have appeared in productions at the theatre, including Roger Rees, Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Helen Mirren, Patrick Stewart and Jim Broadbent.
Seating
The auditorium has four levels - Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony.
The Stalls offers excellent views throughout, with the Royal Circle overhang only affecting the view from seats in Row S onwards. The raking of the seat isn't noticable in the front 5 rows, but the high setting of the stage allows for good views.
The view from the Royal Circle is completely unobstructed and the seating is well raked.
The Grand Circle is set fairly high, but again offers unobstructed views of the stage. The legroom is slightly narrow, however.
Whilst the Balcony is very high, the seats are well raked and comfortable with a good amount of legroom.
Facilities at Noel Coward Theatre
Productions at Noel Coward Theatre
Show | Opened | Closed | Links |
The Comeback | December 2020 | January 2021 | Review |
Dear Evan Hansen | October 2019 | Review | |
The Night of the Iguana | July 2019 | September 2019 | Review |
All About Eve | February 2019 | May 2019 | Review |
The Inheritance | September 2018 | January 2019 | Review |
The Lieutenant of Inishmore | June 2018 | September 2018 | |
Quiz | March 2018 | June 2018 | Review |
Girl from the North Country | December 2017 | March 2018 | Review |
Labour of Love | September 2017 | December 2017 | Review |
Half A Sixpence | October 2016 | September 2017 | Review |
Impossible | July 2016 | August 2016 | Review |
Mrs Henderson Presents | February 2016 | June 2016 | Review |
A Christmas Carol | December 2015 | January 2016 | Review |
Photograph 51 | September 2015 | November 2015 | Review |
Impossible | July 2015 | August 2015 | Review |
Death of a Salesman | May 2015 | July 2015 | Review |
Shakespeare in Love | July 2014 | April 2015 | Review |
Good People | April 2014 | June 2014 | Review |
The Full Monty | February 2014 | March 2014 | Review |
Henry V | December 2013 | February 2014 | Review |
A Midsummer Night's Dream | September 2013 | November 2013 | Review |
The Cripple of Inishmaan | June 2013 | August 2013 | Review |
Peter and Alice | March 2013 | June 2013 | Review |
Privates on Parade | December 2012 | March 2013 | Review |
Uncle Vanya | November 2012 | November 2012 | Review |
Much Ado About Nothing | September 2012 | October 2012 | |
Julius Caesar | August 2012 | September 2012 | |
Gatz | June 2012 | July 2012 | |
Hay Fever | February 2012 | June 2012 | Review |
Million Dollar Quartet | February 2011 | January 2012 | Review |
Deathtrap | September 2010 | January 2011 | Review |
Enron | January 2010 | August 2010 | Review |
Calendar Girls | April 2009 | January 2010 | Review |
Avenue Q | June 2006 | March 2009 | Review |