Novello Theatre, Theatre in City of Westminster, United Kingdom
The Novello Theatre is a theatre building in the City of Westminster that offers four levels: Stalls on the ground floor, Dress Circle, Grand Circle, and Balcony, with a total of 1105 seats. The interior features plasterwork and ornaments in Edwardian style, while the stage is equipped with technology for changing productions.
Architect W. G. R. Sprague designed the listed building, which opened on 22 May 1905 as the Waldorf Theatre with an opera season. During the First World War, performers continued their presentation of The Scarlet Pimpernel despite an air raid in which several bombs struck the building.
The building carries its name since 2005 in honor of Ivor Novello, a Welsh composer who lived in a flat above the stage rooms for four decades. Visitors today still see the facade and interior fittings that recall the time when the venue became a fixed part of West End theatre life.
Wheelchair access is provided via the Dress Circle level, where accessible facilities and designated seating areas are also available. The location near Charing Cross station makes arrival easy, and staff can offer guidance on navigating the building if needed.
During an air raid in the First World War, performers continued their show of The Scarlet Pimpernel despite several bombs that struck the building. This event shows the determination of the theatre world not to let the audience down even in wartime.
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