Novello Theatre
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
I saw Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre and it was a great experience. The theatre is beautiful and has a classic atmosphere. The view from the seats was very good and the sound was excellent. The show was energetic and the actors were very talented. Overall, it was a wonderful evening and I really enjoyed the performance.
This is THE Theatre if you like ABBA and the movies Mamma Mia! The performance wad just astonishing! The characters voices were phenomenal! You can easily compare with Vegas or Broadway shows!
Saw Mama Mia and had a great time! The talent/singing of the performers were outstanding! Beautiful theater! It got a bit warm in the theater - needs a little better ventilation but not sure if that's possible due to the old age of the theater.
Yesterday we visited the Novello Theatre in London to see the musical Mamma Mia!, and we were absolutely thrilled! The performance was fantastic – full of energy, emotion, and joy. The cast was outstanding, with incredible voices and wonderful stage presence. The atmosphere in the theatre was amazing, and you could truly feel the excitement from the audience throughout the show. The theatre itself is beautiful and creates a very special experience. We would especially like to praise the staff. One of my colleagues felt unwell due to the height of her seat, and the team reacted immediately and kindly offered her a different seat. We are very grateful for their understanding and professionalism. Special thanks to the lovely staff member with the nose piercing who helped us – she was incredibly kind and supportive. All in all, it was an unforgettable evening and we highly recommend this theatre and musical to everyone!
Wow! What can I say? I brought my 85 year old mum to see this for her Christmas present and we both absolutely loved it!! The entire cast performance, the set, the singing, the dancing, the costumes, the stunning theatre and the staff were all exceptional. A huge shout out and thanks to Torri (not sure how you spell your name, sorry) and the other staff member - whose name i didn't catch - that looked after us and made Mum feel special and looked after. Their service could not have been better. 10 out of 10. Give these people a bonus! Anyone that enjoys live performances ( how could you not?) should go and see Mamma Mia. It will knock your socks off!!! Thanks to you all for making such a special day and one that we will treasure xxx
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
Duchess Theatre
1 min 👣
Aldwych Theatre
1 min 👣
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
1 min 👣
Lyceum Theatre
1 min 👣
Courtauld Gallery
2 min 👣
London Transport Museum
2 min 👣
Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice
2 min 👣
Somerset House
3 min 👣
Peacock Theatre
3 min 👣
Vaudeville Theatre
4 min 👣
Library and Museum of Freemasonry
4 min 👣Venue Location
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