Noel Coward Theatre
Now Playing: The Importance of Being Earnest
Olly Alexander & Stephen Fry star in the West End transfer of Wilde's masterpiece
Read more...
What Visitors Say
Dracula ... Cynthia Erivo delivered a brilliant solo performance playing all 23 roles. The fabulous staging was imaginative and delivered all the drama of an 80s ALW show. From the opening moments my partner and I were enthralled. This was dished up to the audience in one sitting and it gave many of us goosebumps. The standing ovation was spontaneous and well deserved. I read some scathing reviews just before attending - but clearly the critics had no idea about the original story and are too focussed on juvenile / teen romps. I suspect short attention spans are to blame too - it really is their loss. As to the theatre itself - a beautiful old building, thoughtfully presented and really well run. Genuinely impressed by the legroom in the stalls too. Highly recommended for any production.
Very famous small theatre with limited capacity of less than 1,000 people. The seating is very crammed and getting in and out of your seats requires everyone to stand up so my advice would be go to the bathroom before settling in. It can also be very slow getting in and out of the theatre as the corridors are very tight. It seems quite a potential death trap if there was a fire and I didn't hear any mention of fire escapes by staff. Pricing seemed to be from £50 to above £100 and the play I saw was entertaining if overly camp. The Importance of Being Ernest doesn't need "reimagining" or camping up as the best part about the play is the dialogue but the West End and Broadway seems to turn everything these days into a panto like experience. The set designer for this play was excellent and the best part of the show.
It’s great show, funny and entertaining. Just please, don’t be late otherwise you will meet 1/2 of the first part in the bar with TV watching the show from there. On the last balcony the first and last 7 sits on the site is impossible to see anything, please be aware. Great play
I love this theatre. Everything was perfect. The volume was not deafening as it is at other locations. The actors were so clear and easy to follow. The set was gorgeous. The stage is high so it makes it easy to have a good view regardless of your seat. Do arrive on time, this was our first time ever being late and you sit in the bar watching the production from a small TV screen until there is a suitable time for you to be allowed entry to the production. It means you miss out and it really is a waste of the money you’ve spent on the ticket.
Excellent venue, wonderful old theatre dating back to 1903. Beautiful interior in the French 18th Century design. Staff were wonderful and looked after my disabled wife with care and attention! Well done👍
About Noel Coward Theatre
The theatre hosted era-defining shows such as Hair, West Side Story and Rent, with Noël Coward’s works a recurring highlight across decades.
Venue Tips
✨ Best For
Acclaimed plays, character-driven dramas, witty comedies and limited-run sensations in an intimate setting close to Leicester Square.
💺 Best Seats
Stalls centre for dialogue, immersion and sound clarity; Royal Circle front rows for elevated views with comfort; Upper Circle front for strong value in a compact venue.
⚠️ Seats to Avoid
Avoid far-side Upper Circle where sightlines angle and legroom is tighter. Back rows under the overhang feel enclosed for tall visitors.
Things to Know Before You Go
Where is the Noël Coward Theatre located?
On St Martin’s Lane, a short walk from Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.
Which Tube stations are closest?
Leicester Square (2 minutes), Charing Cross and Covent Garden are also nearby.
Which train station is nearest?
Charing Cross mainline station is around 5 minutes away.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive 30 minutes before the performance for security and a relaxed foyer experience.
Is there a dress code?
No dress code — smart casual is common. Comfort is fine.
Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?
Step-free access to the foyer, one wheelchair space in the Royal Circle, and accessible toilet. Staff assist on arrival.
Are food and drinks available?
Yes. Bars serve drinks and snacks before the show and during the interval.
Are bags checked at the entrance?
Yes. Light bag checks are standard. Large luggage is not allowed.
🤓 Fun Facts
Opened in 1903 as the New Theatre; renamed the Albery Theatre in 1973 and Noël Coward Theatre in 2006.
Named after playwright Noël Coward, who wrote, directed and starred in many productions here.
Legendary actors including Laurence Olivier and Judi Dench have performed on this stage.
The façade and interior retain period Edwardian features with ornate plasterwork and a compact auditorium.
Located on St Martin’s Lane, a historic theatre street running between Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden.
Nearby Places
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Prince of Wales Theatre
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Nearest Tube Stations
- Leicester Square Northern, Piccadilly Zone 1 0.07 km
- Covent Garden Piccadilly Zone 1 0.30 km
- Charing Cross Bakerloo, Northern Zone 1 0.41 km