Novello Theatre

Previously called the Strand Theatre, and originally the Waldorf, the Novello Theatre is one of a pair of identical buildings, the other being situated in the shadow of the magnificent Waldorf Hotel. The venue was first named The Waldorf Theatre, then the Strand Theatre in 1909, renamed the Whitney Theatre in 1911 and reverted to The Strand again in 1913. The venue underwent refurbishment in 1930 and some of the boxes around the Dress Circle were removed. The Strand Theatre underwent refurbishment again during the 1970s.

The Strand Theatre has held many famous and significant productions over the years. In 1942 Joseph Kesselring’s ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ ran for more than thirteen hundred performances. Theatre actress Peggy Mount became a star after appearing in ‘Sailor Beware’ during a run of over twelve hundred shows. ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ had the questionable honour of opening here on the day American President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. The play ran almost two years before finishing in 1965. In June 1971 Britain’s longest running comedy began. ‘No Sex Please - we’re British’ transferred to the Duchess Theatre in 1986.

In recent history the tremendously successful musical ‘Buddy’ moved to the Strand Theatre after a run of six years at the Victoria Palace. ‘Buddy’ ran for six years more at The Strand Theatre.

In 2005 the theatre underwent a £4.5 million refurbishment to celebrate its centenary, and reopened as the Novello Theatre.