Modern contemporary dance and music performance space.
Occupying a site with a long tradition of entertaining Londoners, Sadler's Wells exists to bring the best of national and international dance, ballet, opera and music theatre to the capital. Now a strikingly modern building with flexible performance and auditorium spaces, the original Sadler’s Wells opened in 1683. Six Sadler’s Wells’ later and sleek steel and glass have replaced the crumbling brick edifice of previous centuries. Originally a music hall, the venue now boasts a resoundingly contemporary but extremely accessible programme - with an emphasis on dance and movement - supported by innovative visual arts exhibitions in its public spaces. Sadler's really came into its own when Lilian Baylis took charge in the 1920s. Since then many of the world's best dancers have performed on this Islington stage. In 1995, Matthew Bourne premiered his magnificent ‘Swan Lake’ here which went on to become the West End's longest running ballet. Sadler's Wells continues to have close associations with the centrally located Peacock Theatre, its home during periods of renovation, while the Lilian Baylis Theatre - now a highly regarded venue in itself – is located within the Sadler’s Well Islington complex. It’s really worth checking out what’s on here if you’re down for the weekend. Ranging from the cutting-edge to the mainstream, some truly landmark productions have taken place here over the years (‘Edward Scissorhands’) – which make this an attractive proposition for entertainment in the capital.
Best for:
Ballet and Bourne, 'Swan Lake' and 'Scissorhands', contemporary dance and classics.
Did you know?
Sadler's Wells takes its name from the theatre’s original founder, Richard Sadler, and the wells that were discovered on the site.
Photo: Morley von Sternburg
What's on at
Sadler's Wells
Svapnagata Festival 16th November 2009 - 28th November 2009 This two-week festival bringing Indian music and dance into the...
Price: £10-£35
The Snowman 2nd December 2009 - 10th January 2010 Who can forget Aled Jones's dulcet tones singing Walking in...
Price: £12-£30
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake 10th December 2009 - 24th January 2010 Matthew Bourne's hugely successful Swan Lake comes home for Christmas....
Sadler's Wells
Venue:
In 1685 Sadler’s Wells was briefly London’s most fashionable spot for taking a water cure, whilst being entertained by theatrical and musical performers. Since... More
Sadler's Wells
Rosebery Avenue, Islington, EC1R 4TN
Modern contemporary dance and music performance space
Occupying a site with a long tradition of entertaining Londoners, Sadler's Wells exists to... More
Matthew Bourne's 'Dorian Gray'
Sadler's Wells Theatre, EC1R 4TN
7th July 2009 - 19th July 2009
Matthew Bourne's Dorian Gray was a glorious sell-out hit when it arrived... More
Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands
Sadler's Wells, EC1R 4TN
3rd December 2008 - 17th January 2009
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This two-week festival bringing Indian music and dance into the spotlight is one of the most exciting events of the year for Sadler's Wells. With ...More
Matthew Bourne's hugely successful Swan Lake comes home for Christmas. This highly original all-male production premiered at Sadler's Wells 14 years ago and became the ...More
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This two-week festival bringing Indian music and dance into the spotlight is one of the most exciting events of the year for Sadler's Wells. With ...More
Who can forget Aled Jones's dulcet tones singing Walking in the Air in the animation of Raymond Briggs's beautifully-illustrated book The Snowman. Aled has since ...More
Matthew Bourne's hugely successful Swan Lake comes home for Christmas. This highly original all-male production premiered at Sadler's Wells 14 years ago and became the ... More
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
Modern contemporary dance and music performance space.
