Noël Coward Theatre
Venue Information
- How to book (Phone)
- 0344 482 5137
- [email protected]
- Guide dogs
- Guide dogs allowed inside the auditorium, or they can be looked after by theatre staff (maximum 2). Please ask when booking.
- Wheelchairs
- There is a ramp (gradient 30-40%, handrail on right-hand side) through the second side EXIT door on St Martin’s Court. Box M has 2 spaces for wheelchair/scooter users, or 1 wheelchair user and a companion. Transfer seating available in Royal Circle.
- Sound amplification
- Infra-red system with 15 headsets. Deposit required. Collect headsets from centre desk in foyer - reserve by calling box office.
- Audio description
- 3 steps up (lower to the right-hand side) and then double doors opening inwards. Box Office on the right. 3 steps from the foyer to back of the Royal Circle, with 2 steps between rows. 30 steps down to Stalls and 30 up to the Grand Circle from the foyer (2 steep steps between rows). 40 steps up to the Balcony (4 steep steps between rows). Steps are highlighted and have handrails on both sides. Theatre open 30 mins before performance.
- Street to foyer
- Steps
- Foyer to seat
- 31 to stalls, 3 to Royal Circle, 30 to Grand Circle, 54 to Balcony
- Level access
- Foyer
- Lift / stair lift / ramp
- Ramp
- Bars
- 3 licensed bars. Drinks and ice-creams can be brought into the auditorium. Pit bar 3 steps up from the back of Stalls. Stalls bar 18 steps down from foyer. Grand Circle bar 30 steps up from foyer. All have moveable seats.
- Toilets
- Accessible toilets in stalls
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Yes
- Accepts Theatre Tokens
- Yes
The Noël Coward Theatre is on St. Martin’s Lane in the West End. It opened in March 1903, built by Sir Charles Wyndham, directly behind Wyndhams’ Theatre, which he had completed only 4 years previously.
The theatre was originally named the New Theatre. In 1973 it was renamed as the Albery, after Sir Bronson Albery who managed the theatre for many years.
Since 2005 it has been owned by Delfont Mackintosh Ltd. The theatre underwent a major refurbishment in 2006, and reopened with the new name the Noël Coward Theatre.
It was named after the great British Playwright Sir Noël Coward as he appeared at the New Theatre in 1920, in I’ll Leave It To You – the first West End Production of one his plays.
The theatre has a capacity of 872, across 4 levels. It is a Grade II Listed structure.
During the Blitz, when both the Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells theatres were destroyed, the companies re-located to the New Theatre until their own buildings were rebuilt in 1950’s.
One of the most successful shows to play the New Theatre opened 30 June 1960. It was Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, and ran for 2,618 performances