The Novello Theatre has a capacity of 1084 seats, including 479 seats in the Stalls, 249 seats in the Dress Circle, 214 seats in the Grand Circle and 142 seats in the Balcony. Use our interactive seating plan to view 838 seat reviews and 362 photos of views from seat.
The Novello Theatre dates back to 1905, when it originally opened as the Waldorf Theatre. Built as a twin to the Aldwych Theatre, they bookend the famous Aldwych. 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. The Novello was home to the RSC for a while before housing Mamma Mia! since 2012.
Built in a traditional Victorian style, the theatre has a classic façade. Constructed over four levels, the auditorium seats over 1,000 people, with the majority of seats in the Stalls. The auditorium is narrow and thin, with shorter rows making it feel very high. The best seats are in the well-raked Stalls, which have no obstructions.
Slips in the Dress Circle are often discounted as they offer a side-view of the action. These are often good value for money as they still allow you to enjoy the production without restriction. Sitting in the higher tiers can encounter more restrictions, but seats are much cheaper here.
Premium seats can be found in the centre of the Stalls, around Row M. Sitting centrally in the Novello allows for an excellent overall view of the stage, with steep rakes ensuring that audience members will not block your view.
This seat is sold as a restricted view, and its true as you can't see 3/4 of the stage unless you lean forward but obviously this makes it more uncomfortable. The image is without leaning forward, lean forward and you can see far more. Legroom is tig... More
Saw Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia! on 22 September 2018
Personally I'm not a fan of sitting in the Grand Circle in most theatres, and this seat is a prime example of why. Most of the stage could be seen, only the very front of it being cut off, but I found myself having to lean forward for the entire show... More
Saw Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia! on 23 August 2018
This seat, and row, is pretty much slips seats around the side of the Circle. This means you have nobody behind you. You do have to lean to get a clear view of the stage but I was comfortable with this. Legroom is minimal. My legs were against the wa... More
Saw Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia! on 09 August 2018
