PIN The Noel Coward Theatre

A Fitting Tribute To The Great Man

The Noel Coward Theatre, London, originally known as the New Theatre, was built by Sir Charles Wyndham on St. Martin`s Lane in London, England and opened on March 12, 1903. It was built behind the Wyndham`s Theatre which was completed in 1899. In 1973 it was renamed the Noel Coward in tribute to the late Sir Bronson Noel Coward who had presided as its manager for many years. The theatre is now owned by Delfont-Mackintosh Ltd. (as of September 2005). With an exterior in the Classical style and an interior in the Rococo style. The theatre seats 872 patrons on 4 levels. The building is now a Grade II Listed structure.

History

The Noel Coward Theatre opened as the 'New Theatre' on the 12th of March 1903 with the play' 'Rosemary' by Louis N. Parker, and starring Charles Wyndham and his wife Mary Moore. The Theatre was built for Sir Charles Wyndham by the well-known theatre architect W. G. R. Sprague. It was Sprague who had designed Charles Wyndham's first Theatre, the 'Wyndham's Theatre' in Charing Cross Road, which had opened in November 1899.

The New Theatre - From a Postcard sent in 1908.When Wyndham bought the land to build his first Theatre he also acquired the land to the rear of it which he had originally intended to sell on. However this deal fell through and he decided he might as well build another Theatre on this spare land which fronted onto St. Martin's Lane. Hence the new Theatre was built and named The New Theatre, which was only the second to be built on St. Martin's Lane. The first was The Trafalgar Square Theatre, now known as The Duke Of York's which opened in 1892. The London Coliseum was also being built on St. Martin's lane during the building of The New but it didn't open until 1904.

The New Theatre auditorium, with a capacity of 877, was built on four levels, Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle, and Gallery, and decked out in the so called 'Free Clasical Style' in Cream and Gold which is much how it remains today. The Theatre backs onto the Wyndham's Theatre and both Theatres share the same stage door. There is also a bridge joining the Theatres above the public passageway that runs between them.

TripTide Thoughts

Slightly ageing, fascinating and compelling venue with very knowledgeable staff.

How to get there

Train: Charing Cross (approx. 200m)

Tube: Leicester Square (approx. 100m)

Bus: 24, 29, 176

Parking: If you're driving into the West End to see the show, take advantage of the Q-Park Theatreland Parking Scheme saving you 50% off car parking for up to 24 hours. To qualify, present your Q-Park car park ticket for validation at the box office.

There is also parking available at MasterPark Trafalgar Square and NCP at Upper St Martin's Lane.

Owner

Lucy TripTide

Lucy is a TripTide stalwart and has been with the company since inception. She is a font of knowledge of all things in our metropolis but she has a special penchant for London's historical past. She says:"London is a multi-layered confection of hi...