Novello Theatre
London
The magnificent Novello Theatre
London marked its opening in the year 1905 as Waldorf Theatre! It was
constructed as twin to the Aldwych Theatre and was known as Strand Theatre
during the 20th century. In the year 2005, it was renamed in the
honour of the great musician Ivor Novello, whose residence was a flat above.
The last decade has mainly witnessed RSC’s London season along with huge number of
musical flops.
The stunning Novello Theatre has
been mainly constructed in a traditional Victorian style featuring classical
façade. Theatre has been built over four levels with occupancy of 1000 people
having majority of seats in stalls section. Theatre is quite tall and thin also
having shorter rows. Novello Theatre is positioned along the Aldwych. Aldwych
is the abode of some of the finest quality London hotels, like Aldwych One with huge
range of bars and restaurants.
Some other popular tourist spots
near the theatre are The National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery and Covent Garden. Novello Theatre can be accessed via
various modes of transportation such as tubes, buses and cars or taxis. Some of
the bus numbers on this route are 1, 4, 11, 13, 15, 68 and 98. The seats in the
Novello Theatre are categorized into Stalls, Dress Circle, Dress Circle, Grand Circle and
Balcony. For the disabled patrons and carers, theatre offers discounted rate
tickets. The auditorium of the theatre is well equipped with Sennheiser
infra-red system.
WGR Sprague constructed Novello
Theatre as pair with Aldwych Theatre. Since May 1905, theatre has undergone
various changes. Initially it was named as Waldorf Theatre, whereas in the year
1909, it was renamed as Strand Theatre. In the year 1911, it was named Whitney Theatre and in 1913, again as Strand
Theatre and remained till year 2005.
The Novello Theatre building is
Grade II listed with occupancy of 1105.
Some of the spectacular productions have been played here and has
enjoyed success and failures. Some of the popular shows are Arsenic and Lace,
No Sex Please, We’re British, Crazy for you and current Mamma Mia!