The New Theatre opened its doors in 1903 with a revival of Rosemary, a play by Louis N. Parker and Murray Carson. Sir Charles Wyndham and Mary Moore, the co-directors, took the stage in the lead roles. This was the beginning of a journey that would see the theatre host countless plays, musicals, and performances, becoming a cornerstone of the West End theatre scene in London.
From Scarlet Pimpernel to Saint Joan: A Legacy of Acclaimed Productions
In the years that followed its opening, the New Theatre witnessed the rise of many talented actors and playwrights. Fred Terry and Julia Neilson, a famous acting duo, first performed The Scarlet Pimpernel at the theatre in 1905. The play became so popular that it was revived annually for seven years, captivating London audiences.
The theatre continued to showcase noteworthy productions. In 1909, the Terry family (father, mother, and daughter) shared the stage in Henry of Navarre, a play that brought together three generations of their acting dynasty.
The New Theatre became a breeding ground for new talent. In 1920, a young Noël Coward, a playwright who would later become a legend, made his West End debut in his own play, I’ll Leave It to You.
In 1924, the theatre hosted the premiere of Saint Joan, a play by George Bernard Shaw. The play featured Sybil Thorndike in the role of Joan, a performance that the Daily Mail described as “one of the great performances of our time.”
The Albery Era: A Family Legacy
The New Theatre underwent a name change in 1973, adopting the name Albery in honor of Mary Moore’s son, Bronson Albery. Bronson, a significant figure in the theatre’s history, served as manager for many years, followed by his son Donald and grandson Ian. The Albery family’s dedication to the theatre spanned generations, leaving an indelible mark on its history.
During the Albery era, the theatre continued to attract top talent and host acclaimed productions. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a musical written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, debuted at the theatre in 1973.
In 1977, a revival of Oliver! starring Roy Hudd as Fagin graced the stage. The production, featuring the original sets by Sean Kenny, ran for a remarkable three years.
A New Era of Theatre: The Noël Coward Theatre
In 2006, the Albery Theatre underwent another name change, becoming the Noël Coward Theatre. The theatre’s new name paid tribute to the renowned playwright whose work had been performed there many years earlier. This change marked the start of a new chapter for the theatre.
The Noël Coward Theatre continued to showcase diverse productions, including the Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q, which ran for nearly three years before transferring to the Gielgud Theatre.
The theatre also welcomed international productions. In 2011, the Sovremennik, a renowned Moscow-based theatre company, performed in London for the first time in over two decades.
In 2012, LIFT, a groundbreaking performance art festival, presented Gatz, an eight-hour-long production by Elevator Repair Service. The production, praised by Ben Brantley as “The most remarkable achievement in theatre not only of this year but of this decade,” marked a bold departure from the traditional theatrical landscape.
A Legacy of Stars and Innovation
From its humble beginnings in 1903, the New Theatre, later known as the Albery, and finally as the Noël Coward Theatre, has established itself as a major player in the West End theatre scene. The theatre has been home to numerous stars, groundbreaking productions, and innovative performances that have shaped the landscape of British theatre.
Throughout its history, the theatre has welcomed renowned actors such as Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, John Gielgud, Katharine Hepburn, Nicole Kidman, and Alan Rickman. It has hosted the premieres of celebrated plays by George Bernard Shaw, Noël Coward, and T.S. Eliot. The theatre has been a platform for new talent and a place where theatrical boundaries have been pushed and redefined.
Today, the Noël Coward Theatre continues to be a vibrant cultural center, hosting a mix of established and emerging artists, classic and contemporary plays, and musicals that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. The theatre’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of theatre and its ability to connect generations of audiences through shared experiences.
