Noel Coward Theatre – A Theatregoer’s Guide
The Noel Coward theatre was formerly the Albery and before that the New Theatre.
It was built in 1903 but in much older styles- outside it’s classical, inside it leans towards a very pretty rococo.
Where is the Noel Coward Theatre?
It’s in St Martin’s Lane in the heart of Theatreland, a stone’s throw from Trafalgar Square. The postcode is WC2N 4AU. The nearest tube is Leicester Square and it’s close to Charing Cross.
When you go in, you’re confronted by a small foyer and, straightway, decisions about where to go. You’ll see ladies toilets but they’ll be busy so go to the area where you’re sitting, unless you’re in the Royal Circle in which case those are your toilets because the Royal Circle is on the ground floor.
You go down stairs, lots of stairs, to the Stalls and upstairs to two more levels- the Grand Circle and the Balcony.
Which are the best seats at the Noel CowardTheatre?
There are only 886 seats spread over four levels, which means that you’re never that far from the action in the Stalls and Dress Circle anyway. Legroom is adequate.
There isn’t much of a rake in the Stalls except towards the back but this is made up for by the high stage. I’d say it’s a toss up which you go for. At either level, the first four rows are the best, so it depends how close you want to be to the action.
You can get a drink in bars in the Stalls and Dress Circle but no food. Then and again, the theatre is surrounded by restaurants.
What are the toilets like at the Noel CowardTheatre?
In common with many West End theatres, the toilets are woeful. No Gents at ground floor which is to say Dress Circle level, no ladies in the Balcony. Lots of stairs to negotiate. There’s one adapted toilet. My INSIDER TIP is go to the loo before you go to this theatre and spend your time there enjoying how it looks.
INSIDER TIP: The Noel Coward is a Delfont Mackintosh theatre so buy your tickets from their official website delfontmackintosh.co.uk/theatres/noel-coward-theatre and don’t be fooled by agencies masquerading as the official outlet.