The Noël Coward Theatre, formerly known as the New Theatre, has stood as a vibrant beacon of theatrical brilliance for over a century. Its history is a tapestry woven with the threads of iconic performances, groundbreaking productions, and the unwavering passion of the Albery family, who dedicated themselves to nurturing this cherished venue.
From Rosemary to the Scarlet Pimpernel: The Early Years (1903-1920s)
The stage first came alive in 1903 with a revival of the play “Rosemary,” starring the theatre’s co-directors, Sir Charles Wyndham and Mary Moore. This marked the beginning of a journey that would see the New Theatre become a hub for celebrated actors and innovative productions.
Five years later, Fred Terry and Julia Neilson captivated audiences with their performance in “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” This production, a resounding success, was revived annually for an impressive seven years, showcasing the enduring power of the story. The Terry family, a theatrical dynasty, continued to grace the stage, with father, mother, and daughter – Fred Terry, Julia Neilson, and Phyllis Terson (Terry) – sharing the limelight in “Henry of Navarre.”
The 1920s ushered in a new era of talent. Noël Coward, a rising star, made his West End debut in his own play, “I’ll Leave It to You.” This period also saw the remarkable Sybil Thorndike create the unforgettable role of Joan in G B Shaw’s “Saint Joan.” The Daily Mail hailed her performance as “one of the great performances of our time,” solidifying the New Theatre’s reputation as a breeding ground for theatrical excellence.
Gielgud, Olivier, and the Rise of West End Legends (1930s-1960s)
The New Theatre witnessed the ascendance of legendary actors, solidifying its position as a hub for the most celebrated performers of the time. John Gielgud cemented his star status with his captivating portrayal in “Richard of Bordeaux,” a performance that ran for an astounding 472 performances and cemented his place in theatrical history. Gielgud’s association with the theatre continued, with him starring in numerous productions including “Queen of Scots,” “Hamlet,” “Noah,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “The Seagull.”
The theatre, however, was not immune to the hardships of the Second World War. Its resilience shone through as it became home to the Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells companies, whose own theatres had suffered bomb damage. The Vic-Wells ballet took to the New Theatre stage, marking their West End debut with a triple bill featuring the legendary Margot Fonteyn and Frederick Ashton. The Old Vic productions, featuring renowned actors such as Ralph Richardson as Peer Gynt and Laurence Olivier as Richard III, continued to mesmerize audiences.
The 1950s saw Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh grace the stage in a trio of productions, including “The School for Scandal,” “King Richard III,” and “Antigone.” The latter featured stunning costumes by Cecil Beaton and captivating music by Thomas Beecham, further emphasizing the New Theatre’s commitment to artistic excellence.
The era also saw the premiere of T S Eliot’s witty comedy of manners “The Cocktail Party,” starring Rex Harrison and Margaret Leighton, and Katharine Hepburn’s West End debut in “The Millionairess.” George Bernard Shaw himself described Hepburn as “the born decider, dominator, organiser, tactician, mesmeriser,” acknowledging her captivating presence.
The 1960s brought the iconic musical “Oliver!” to the stage. The show, featuring an unforgettable cast including Ron Moody, Georgia Brown, and Barry Humphries, enjoyed a phenomenal run of 2,618 performances.
The Albery Era and a Legacy of Innovation (1970s-1980s)
In 1973, the New Theatre took on a new name – the Albery Theatre, in honour of Bronson Albery, who had dedicated his life to the theatre’s success. The Albery family, spanning generations, played a pivotal role in shaping the theatre’s destiny, serving both as managers and producers from 1903 to 1987.
The Albery era saw the theatre embrace innovation, ushering in groundbreaking productions that pushed the boundaries of theatrical storytelling. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” debuted on the Albery stage, captivating audiences with its unique blend of music and storytelling.
The 1980s saw Cameron Mackintosh bring a revival of the original production of “Oliver!” back to the Albery, showcasing the show’s timeless appeal. The Albery’s reputation for excellence was further solidified with the success of the romantic drama “Children of a Lesser God,” which garnered Oliviers for Trevor Eve and Elizabeth Quinn as well as the Best New Play Award.
A New Millennium, a New Name: The Noël Coward Theatre (1990s-Present)
The Albery Theatre continued to innovate, introducing audiences to new and diverse voices. Helen Mirren‘s captivating performance in “A Month in the Country” marked the Albery’s most successful play to date, leading to her Broadway debut the following year. The theatre embraced the spirit of celebration with “Five Guys Named Moe,” a musical tribute to jazz-blues musician Louis Jordan, which saw cast and audience members dancing the conga around the theatre.
In 2005, the theatre’s ownership transferred to Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, marking a new chapter in its story. This transition paved the way for a name change in 2006, recognizing the legacy of the iconic playwright Noël Coward, whose brilliance had graced the stage in the theatre’s early years.
The Noël Coward Theatre continued to attract the world’s best talent, featuring captivating performances from the likes of Lindsay Duncan and Alan Rickman in “Private Lives,” and Nicole Kidman in “Photograph 51.” The theatre also embraced international collaborations, hosting the first London season by a major Russian company in over 20 years, showcasing the theatre’s global reach.
The Noël Coward Theatre, like the city of London itself, is a dynamic and ever-evolving entity. It is a place where stories come to life, and where audiences are transported to different worlds through the power of theatre. From the early days of the New Theatre to its current iteration as the Noël Coward Theatre, the venue continues to be a testament to the enduring magic of theatre.
