The Noel Coward Theatre is one of the best West End venues for prestige drama and comedy led by some of the best actors and creatives in the country. Formerly the Albery, The Noel Coward Theatre was designed by the architect W. G. R. Sprague and opened in 1903. Built as a pair alongside the nearby Wyndham's Theatre , the venue was the brainchild of Charles Wyndham and was originally called the New Theatre. The Grade II-listed theatre's exterior was designed in the classical style and Sprague included many resplendent Rococo-style features throughout.
The New Theatre became the Noël Coward Theatre in 2006 when it was acquired by Delfont-Mackintosh Ltd and reopened following a significant refurbishment. The theatre has played host to many legendary performers, such as Katharine Hepburn, Judi Dench, Paul Scofield and Jude Law. Recent notable productions at the Noël Coward Theatre include All About Eve starring Gillian Anderson and Lily James; Photograph 51 with Nicole Kidman; and The Cripple of Inishmaan starring Daniel Radcliffe. From 2019 to October 2022, the theatre was the home of the Broadway smash-hit musical Dear Evan Hansen .
Today, the theatre continues to host a mix of classic revivals and groundbreaking new work and this year it’s going to make you laugh out loud with the world premiere of The Comedy About Spies. Set in the world of ‘60s espionage (but less James Bond and more James What’s Going On?!) this is another hilarious hit from the team behind The Play That Goes Wrong.
Seating
Very grand and traditional in style, views at the Noel Coward Theatre are restricted towards the ends of rows and in higher sections of the auditorium, due to the horseshoe shape of the auditorium. Premium seats are situated around the centre of rows F-G in the Stalls or the front of the Dress Circle. For good value seats, The Upper Circle is incredibly inexpensive for the views offered and the rear of the Stalls is also an excellent option. There are also six boxes that all offer great views.
Facilities
The theatre has three licensed bars; Noël’s Bar in the Stalls area, Lionel’s Bar in the Royal Circle/Stalls level and the Albery bar in the Grand Circle level. The cloakroom is able to accept coats and small bags and the theatre has an Air Cooling system.
Access
There is an adapted toilet near the foyer; Wheelchair accessible with transfer seating is available; There are two different types of hearing enhancement aids available and a series of visual stories have been created about visiting each of our theatres to help ease anxiety. See website for further information: Noël Coward Theatre
The Noel Coward Theatre is currently home to The Comedy About Spies until 5 September 2025
Details
- Address:
- St Martin's Lane
- WC2
- Transport:
- Railway station: Charing Cross. Bus numbers: 24, 29, 176