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
Jump 3rd November 2009 - 21st November 2009 Tae-kwon-do, the martial art that every Korean learns from a...
Price: £10-£36 (Adults)
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
When the film was released in 1990, Tim Burton's sinister fairytale became a... More
Huge, multifaceted arts and entertainment centre.
Described by the Queen as “one of the wonders of the modern world”, this multifaceted performance and arts venue forms ... More
A rich hunting ground for restaurants and bars, Exmouth Market twinkles under the fairy lights that zig-zag overhead across the scenic pedestrianised street. Hip hang ...More
The Victoria Miro originally opened in Cork Street in London, W1, in 1985. The gallery moved to its present location in 16 Wharf Road, Islington, ... More
Rosebery Avenue offers a number of en-suite rooms, complete with bed linen and bath towels and communal kitchen areas. A full English breakfast is served ... More
The decor when you walk into reception is fresh and modern and this first impression extends throughout the hotel to the bedrooms, bar and restaurant. ... More
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 19 years ago and became the ...More
Established in Clerkenwell in 1997, EC One jewellery has built up a glittering reputation for its individual, stylish jewellery. Husband and wife team Jos and ... More
This independent supermarket between Angel and Kings Cross sells good quality organic food, Bundaberg root beer and Fentiman's cola as well as all the ... More
Nice, noisy place serving a mixture of Spanish and North African cuisine. A superb, convivial restaurant with a great reputation based on its best-selling cook ... More
One day workshops, offering a friendly no-nonsense approach to teaching about wine, suitable for everyone from beginners to experts.
Courses take place at the following venues:
Atlas ... More
Connexions is a countrywide information and advisory service for 13-19 year olds and people with special learning needs or disabilities under 25. They offer an ...More
Vie is a friendly private health club which makes a welcome retreat in the heart of the bustling city in EC1. Facilities include gymnasium, swimming ...More
The original Kick bar and a local landmark, Cafe Kick is a tiny continental-style cafe bar with terrace tables and an endearingly insalubrious interior, has ... More
This refurbished pub / bar has been highly recommended by a number of readers, and we found it very pleasant. The interior is absolutely standard, ...More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
Tae-kwon-do, the martial art that every Korean learns from a young age, is a dazzling spectacle. Focused on speed and agility, rather than power, it ...More
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 19 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.
Show favourites only
Report a bug, make a suggestion or just tell us your thoughts.
Modern contemporary dance and music performance space.
