Novello Theatre

The Novello Theatre stands on Aldwych in the City of Westminster. It was built as a pair with the Aldwych Theatre, both designed by W. G. R. Sprague. The theatre opened in 1905 as the Waldorf Theatre and became the Strand Theatre in 1909. It was renamed the Whitney Theatre in 1911 before reverting to the Strand name in 1913. In 2005 it was renamed the Novello Theatre in honour of Ivor Novello, who lived above it from 1913 to 1951. The theatre has hosted long-running successes such as Arsenic and Old Lace with 1,337 performances in the 1940s. Sailor Beware! ran for 1,231 performances from 1955, and Stephen Sondheim’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opened here in 1963. No Sex Please, We’re British played for over 10 years of its 16-year run. Mamma Mia! transferred to the Novello in 2012 and remains in its longest modern run. Inside, the theatre seats 1,105 people across stalls and circle levels. The auditorium retains its Edwardian detailing after refurbishments in 1930 and the early 1970s. The Grade II listing recognises its historic fabric. Visitors find a classic West End interior with plush red seating and ornate plasterwork. The Novello is one of the 40 theatres featured in the 2012 DVD series Great West End Theatres.