The Noël Coward Theatre was originally called the New Theatre, opening on Thursday 12th March 1903, and built by Sir Charles and Mary Wyndham behind Wyndham’s Theatre which, was completed in 1899.
Designed by W. G. R. Sprague, the building has an exterior in the classical style and an interior in the Rococo style.
In 1915 Dion Boucicault presented a Christmas revival of J M Barrie’s Peter Pan, which was then repeated until 1919. The theatre also staged a number of successful productions by other distinguished writers such as Somerset Maugham, A A Milne, Noel Coward, Bernard Shaw, Dylan Thomas, T S Eliot and Tennessee Williams. Noël Coward appeared in his own play, I’ll Leave It To You in 1920, the first West End production of one of his plays.
The sixties were ruled by Lionel Bart’s Oliver! which ran for 2618 performances.
A number of famous actors have appeared on stage at the theatre including Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir John Gielgud, Sybil Thorndike, and Peggy Ashcroft.
In 1973 the venue was renamed the Albery in tribute to Sir Bronson Albery who had presided over the theatre for numerous years.
The theatre underwent a major renovation in 2006, and was renamed the Noël Coward Theatre when it re-opened for the London premiere of Avenue Q on Thursday 1st June 2006.
The theatre has seen many diverse productions such as Somerset Maugham’s The Constant Wife, Children of a Lesser God by Mark Medoff, Tom Stoppard’s Travesties and of course Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers.
The Noel Coward Theatre is located in the heart of London’s West End and is a popular destination for theatre-goers. If you’re planning to visit the theatre and are wondering about the best way to get there, here are some of the public transport options available:
- Tube: The nearest tube station to the venue is Leicester Square, which is on the Piccadilly and Northern lines. Alternatively, you can take the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines to Piccadilly Circus station, which is also within walking distance of the theatre.
- Bus: There are several bus routes that stop near the theatre, including the 24, 29, and 176. These buses run through various parts of the city, so you can easily find a route that works for you.
- Train: The nearest train station to the theatre is Charing Cross, which is about a 10-15 minute walk away. You can take a train to Charing Cross from various parts of the city and beyond.
- Bicycle: If you enjoy cycling, you can use London’s cycle hire scheme, Santander Cycles, to get to the theatre. There are several docking stations located near the theatre.
- Taxi or Uber: If you prefer, you can take a taxi or an Uber to the theatre. There are several taxi ranks located near the theatre, or you can book an Uber using the app.
When planning your journey to the Noel Coward Theatre, it’s a good idea to check the transport timetables in advance, especially if you’re travelling during rush hour. This will help you to avoid any delays or disruptions that could affect your journey.
Noel Coward Theatre
85-88 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4AP