The Novello Theatre dates back to 1905, when it originally opened as the Waldorf Theatre. It was designed in a traditional Victorian style as a twin to the Aldwych Theatre. Together they bookend the famous Aldwych Hotel. The theatre has a classic façade and was Grade II listed by English Heritage in 1971.
Throughout the 20th century, the venue was known as the Strand Theatre until it was renamed in 2005 to honour musician Ivor Novello who lived in a flat above the theatre. That same year the theatre underwent a large refurbishment before re-opening with a season of Shakespeare comedies from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Other notable productions include a 10-year run of comedy No Sex Please, We’re British , which opened in 1971 and later transferred to the Garrick Theatre for a further 6 years; Footloose starring Cheryl Baker in 2006; and flop musical Desperately Seeking Susan , which was composed by Blondie and Debbie Harry but closed after a month following overwhelmingly negative critical reviews.
