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Novello Theatre

807

Built as part of the Aldwych/Kingsway development and designed as a pair to the contemporary Aldwych Theatre, with elevations closely similar but not identical to its twin. In Portland stone with a boldly bowed corner, it is a landmark in views from the Strand end of Aldwych. The interior, described in contemporary accounts as being in Louis XIV style, must be rated as one of the finest surviving works of W G R Sprague, here assisted by the shadowy, but important, decorator van Hooydonk.

Tightly planned but elegantly detailed foyer, staircase and bars. The auditorium has three balconies, stepping back to a top level which follows the line of the circular ceiling, to which the proscenium wall is tangential. The proscenium opening is square with fleur de peche marble gilt-enriched architrave. On either side, two tiers of full-bosomed boxes (not level with the balconies) are set between marble Ionic pilasters carried on massive console brackets and supporting a rich entablature crowned by full relief groups of putti. The entablature continues over the proscenium opening, above which is an arched tympanum containing a painted relief of Apollo driving his chariot out of the sun, with winged attendants. Pendentives carry the circular ceiling, which has a fruit-enriched perimeter beam and bracketed cove around a flat field with allegorical painting and a central chandelier. The seventeenth century French taste and the Ionic theme continue with painted marble pilasters and elaborately framed mirrors with musical trophies at each level on the curving side walls. All the marble was 'painted out' in 1930 or later, but has been revealed and refreshed recently. Boxes formerly at the back of the dress circle were removed in 1930.

The painting on the safety curtain is modern but in amusing nineteenth century Parisian style, a la Cheret.

Following a magnificent refurbishment project in 2005, the theatre reopened as the Novello Theatre.

Built / Converted
1905
Dates of use
  • 1905 : continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Theatre
Address
5 Aldwych, London, Westminster, WC2B 4LD, England
Further details
Other names
Strand Theatre , Waldorf Theatre , Strand Theatre , Whitney Theatre
Events
  • 1905 Design/Construction:
    Van Hooydonk
    - Consultant
    interior designer
    W G R Sprague
    - Architect
  • 1905 Owner/Management: leased to Lee Shubert
  • 1905 Use: continuing
  • 1912 Alteration: six boxes inserted at rear of dress circle.
    Pryor & Part
    - Architect
  • 1924 Alteration: pit and stalls reseated to give larger capacity (unexecuted?).
    George Axton
    - Architect
  • 1930 Alteration: boxes at back of dress circle removed; auditorium redecorated (architect unknown).
  • 1963 Alteration: balcony reseated (architect unknown).
  • 1991 Owner/Management: Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Limited
  • 2005 Alteration: major (£3.25m) refurbishment.
    Arts Team @ RHWL
    - Architect
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    969 plus standing
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    1971: 1085 (incl standing)
    1983: 927
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    927
Listings
  • Listing
    II
Stage type
Pros flat
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: d: 33ft 6in (10.21m) w: 70ft (21.33m) between fly galleries: 39ft 6in (12.04m)
Proscenium width: 31ft 6in (9.6m)
Height to grid: 56ft 9in (17.37m)
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -