Novello Theatre
Upcoming Performances
Now Playing: MAMMA MIA!
ABBA's sun-soaked jukebox musical turns a Greek island wedding into a feel-good story of mothers, daughters and old flames.
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What Visitors Say
We saw Mama Mia. What a great performance! You truly want to dance in the aisles! We sat in the balcony and it was unfortunately not comfortable. It's a beautiful old theatre, just pay for better seats than we had.
This theatre is so beautiful!! The atmosphere, the architecture, and the Aura were top notch. The toilet were not get but that’s to be expected in a theatre. I saw Mama Mia here. We had really good seats so I can not say about the far seating. But it did not look like you could see very well from all the way in the back. I would recommend a middle aisle seat on the bottom floor, or a second level front seat, if you are. They are bag and water bottle friendly, but will do a bag a search so don’t bring any illegal. :) It was definitely a great theater, come and check it out for either the vibes, the venue, or for the vibration !
The theatre is in a central and easy to get to location (10 minutes from Charing cross underground) The outside and inside of the theatre are well maintained and the deco are beautiful! It is a bit smaller than other theatres I have been but it feels cosy. I have watched "Mamma mia" the musical and I have really enjoyed it!
Gorgeous theatre, all the staff were super nice and welcoming I was there on the 5th May. You get really good views as well from all around not many restricted view seats I don’t think. Our view from the first row in the balcony was amazing, the safety bar was sometimes in the way but you could lean forward/backward and most of the time you could just look through the gap and it was perfect
Staff were all very friendly, welcoming and helpful. Theatre toilets are nice and very clean. Good selection of drinks at the bar. Was in seats in the Balcony E3 & E4 ; the view wasn't too bad, just at times weren't able to see the lower part of the stage. Seats are fairly comfy but not much leg room. Mamma mia itself was AMAZING. The music, the stage , the costumes were so so good. The ending was great too and really amped up the audience.
About Novello Theatre
Mamma Mia! has been running here since 2012, welcoming millions of visitors and becoming one of the West End’s most enduring musical successes.
Venue Tips
✨ Best For
Feel-good musicals, classic West End nights and Covent Garden theatre trips. Perfect for groups, families and fans of uplifting entertainment.
💺 Best Seats
Stalls for full immersion and lively choreography; Dress Circle front for the best overall view; Grand Circle central for strong value with panoramic sightlines.
⚠️ Seats to Avoid
Avoid far-side Balcony where the rake can feel steep and sightlines are angled. Back Balcony rows may feel distant for detail in choreography-heavy scenes.
Things to Know Before You Go
Which seats are worth prioritising at Novello Theatre?
Stalls for full immersion and lively choreography; Dress Circle front for the best overall view; Grand Circle central for strong value with panoramic sightlines. For a safer booking, also note: Avoid far-side Balcony where the rake can feel steep and sightlines are angled. Back Balcony rows may feel distant for detail in choreography-heavy scenes. Use that as editorial guidance rather than a guarantee; always check the live seating plan and any seat notes before paying.
Is Novello Theatre a good venue for seeing MAMMA MIA!?
Yes, if you book with the production's scale in mind. MAMMA MIA! is currently listed at Novello Theatre, so choose seats that suit this staging rather than simply buying the cheapest available ticket. For a first visit, a central view is the least risky option.
What kind of night out does Novello Theatre suit best?
Novello Theatre works best for Feel-good musicals, classic West End nights and Covent Garden theatre trips. Perfect for groups, families and fans of uplifting entertainment. The right choice depends less on dress code and more on matching the room to the production: intimate plays reward proximity, while spectacle-led musicals usually benefit from a more centred overview.
What should I know about access before booking Novello Theatre?
Check the venue's official access page or box office before booking wheelchair spaces, transfer seats, step-free routes, companion seats or assisted performances. London venues vary sharply by level, and the most comfortable choice is often a specific access seat rather than a general price band.
How early should I arrive at Novello Theatre?
Aim to be at the doors around half an hour before the performance, and earlier if you need access support, cloakroom time, box-office collection or a quiet drink. For older West End buildings, late arrival can mean stairs, narrow foyers and a less relaxed start.
What is the easiest way to reach Novello Theatre?
Covent Garden is the simplest station to check first. The venue address in our data is Aldwych. For weekend visits, check engineering works and leave a little extra time around the West End and major transport hubs.
Where is the Novello Theatre located?
On Aldwych, close to Covent Garden, the Strand and Somerset House.
Which Tube stations are closest?
Covent Garden (Piccadilly), Temple (District, Circle) and Holborn (Central, Piccadilly).
Which train station is nearest?
Charing Cross is around 10 minutes away on foot.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive 30 minutes before the performance for security checks and to enjoy bars and foyer.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code — smart casual is common, though comfort is more important.
Is the theatre wheelchair accessible?
Step-free access to the Dress Circle with wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets. Staff are happy to assist.
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. Bag checks are routine, and large luggage is not permitted.
🤓 Fun Facts
Originally opened in 1905 as the Waldorf Theatre and later renamed the Strand before becoming the Novello Theatre.
Named in honour of Ivor Novello, who lived in an apartment above the theatre and wrote music here.
The theatre has had several lives, including periods staging comedies, variety shows, and Shakespeare.
Mamma Mia! has played at the Novello since 2012 and remains one of the West End’s most popular shows.
The venue forms part of a mirrored pair with the Aldwych Theatre, both designed by architect W.G.R. Sprague.
Nearby Places
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Nearest Tube Stations
- Covent Garden Piccadilly Zone 1 0.35 km
- Temple Circle, District Zone 1 0.39 km
- Holborn Central, Piccadilly Zone 1 0.58 km