Sadler's Wells

Sadler’s Wells presents dance in all its forms, including contemporary, circus, ballet, Bollywood, tap, tango, flamenco and family shows. 

Performances take place across two venues: the main Sadler’s Wells Theatre and the Lilian Baylis Studio. Recently, Sadler’s Wells opened Sadler’s Wells East, a new state-of-the-art dance venue in the Olympic Park, Stratford.

About Sadler's Wells in London 

Sadler’s Wells is one of the world’s leading dance venues, renowned for presenting a dynamic range of productions – from classic ballet to cutting-edge contemporary performance. Sadler’s Wells also stages musicals and theatre productions throughout the year, including this year’s return of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. 

Far from a traditional theatre, Sadler’s Wells pushes the boundaries of staging and storytelling, showcasing worldwide talent and innovative art forms. It’s a home for pioneering choreographers such as Akram Khan, Matthew Bourne and Crystal Pite. 

History of Sadler's Wells

Sadler’s Wells is one of London’s oldest theatres, with its origins dating back to 1683. It was named after a mineral spring discovered in the garden behind a music house built by Richard Sadler. Originally popular for its water’s supposed medicinal properties, the Islington site soon became a lively entertainment hub. It was also famous for spectacular naval battle scenes staged on a giant water tank the size of the stage, re-enacting historic battles. 

After many closures and re-openings over the decades, the theatre was rebuilt by Lilian Baylis in 1926 after it had fallen into neglect. Dance and opera became key features of the new venue, with companies such as The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and English National Opera making their debuts there. 

Fast forward to the 1990s: the current building – the sixth reconstruction in Sadler’s Wells’ history – was transformed into a purpose-built dance theatre and studio. Today, the venue includes a 1,500-seat main auditorium, three rehearsal studios, and the smaller Lilian Baylis Studio, which hosts more intimate performances. 

Over time, Sadler’s Wells has grown into a world-renowned dance venue, hosting both national and international touring productions as well as producing original work.  

What’s on at Sadler’s Wells London 

Sadler's Wells programme has been praised for bringing riveting dance performances to the stage. It showcases a variety of dance styles, including classical and contemporary ballet, flamenco, and street dance, as well as theatre plays and musicals. These ground-breaking productions are sure to captivate theatregoers. 

Notable shows to have taken the stage include Matthew Bourne's 2016 production of The Red Shoes, which was brought back following widespread acclaim in 2019 and again in 2025. Another of Matthew Bourne's productions, Edward Scissorhands, blended theatre and dance in a whole new way, as did the award-winning dance company Rambert Dance with their adaptation of Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, which brought the cultural phenomenon to the stage. 

To see Sadler's Wells' current and upcoming shows, click the booking button on this page.

How to get tickets for Sadler’s Wells shows? 

You can book your tickets with Visit London for the production of your choice shown at Sadler’s Wells theatre by clicking on the booking button on this page.  

Why you should go to Sadler's Wells

• See world class performances: From classic ballet to contemporary dance in all its forms, Sadler’s Wells is London’s go-to venue for dance. 
• See cutting edge productions: Sadler’s Wells develops bold new works in-house, showcasing innovative pieces from leading choreographers as well as emerging talent. 
• Support education and local communities: With an innovative teaching programme of dance workshops, Sadler’s Wells makes dance more accessible to diverse communities. 

Sadler's Wells seating plan 

Sadler’s Wells has a total capacity of 1,545 seats across three levels: 643 in the Stalls, 420 in the First Circle and 482 in the Second Circle. All levels offer good views of the stage with very minimal obstructions. 

What are the best seats at Sadler's Wells? 

If you’re on a budget, the front rows (AA–A) and rear seats (N–U) in the Stalls usually provide good value for money. Keep in mind that the very front seats are extremely close to the stage, which can sometimes limit your view of the action. Middle to rear seats in both the First Circle and Second Circle are also solid budget‑friendly options. 

If you’re looking to splash out, premium seats are found in the middle rows of the Stalls (D–H) and the very front of the First Circle (A–C), offering a panoramic and unobstructed view of the stage. 

Is Sadler's Wells theatre accessible? 

Sadler’s Wells is committed to making dance accessible to everyone, offering facilities such as disabled parking, adapted toilets, lifts, level access to the auditorium, and wheelchair spaces (three in Stalls row W and one in First Circle row M).  

They also run the free Access for All scheme, which provides extra information and support for visitors with special needs, helping to make every visit easier and more enjoyable. 

How do I get to Sadler's Wells? 

Sadler’s Wells is located on Rosebery Avenue near Angel, in Islington.

How to get there: 

• Underground – The nearest Tube station is Angel (Northern line), just a four-minute walk from the venue.
• Bus – The following buses stop nearby on Rosebery Avenue (19, 38, 341) and Upper Street (4, 43, 56, 153).

Visit London's top tip 

Sadler’s Wells welcomes both newcomers to dance and seasoned enthusiasts, offering a variety of workshops, clubs and community programmes that invite audiences to get involved.  

What time does the Sadler's Wells box office open? 

The Sadler’s Wells box office is in the main foyer and opens daily from 10am to 8pm. To save time, you can also book tickets online via Visit London, where you’ll be able to choose your seats using the seating plan. 

What food and drink is available at Sadler's Wells? 

Sadler’s Wells has bars on every level, opening 60 minutes before each performance and serving drinks, sandwiches and snacks. To skip the interval queues, check if your show offers a pre‑order service. If you’ve got more time, pop into the Fox Garden Court Café for fresh, seasonal dishes before the show. 

Does Sadler's Wells have a cloakroom? 

There is a cloakroom accepting coats and small items, but large bags and backpacks can’t be stored on site. If you need to leave bigger belongings, use one of London’s nearby luggage storage facilities instead. 

Are children allowed at Sadler’s Wells performances? 

Sadler’s Wells hosts a range of family‑friendly productions throughout the year but note  children under five are not admitted. 

Which hotels are nearby to Sadler's Wells? 

There’s no shortage of hotels around Angel, with options to suit every budget and style. Here are some of our top picks: 

• Hilton London Angel Islington (14 minutes’ walk) 

Located at the heart of bustling Islington, a few steps away from the vibrant Exmouth Market. It’s a good base for catching a show at Sadler’s Wells, with spacious rooms and plenty of dining options nearby. 

• Premier Inn London Angel Islington (13 minutes’ walk) 

This is a great, budget-friendly option just a short walk from Angel, offering stylish, modern rooms. It's an ideal location for a no-frills theatre night. 

Which restaurants are nearby to Sadler's Wells? 

Head to Angel with plenty of time before your show at Sadler’s Wells Theatre and wander over to Exmouth Market, known for its wide choice of food spots. Stop by Moro to enjoy a menu blending Mediterranean dishes with the bold, vibrant flavours of the Middle East. 

For something more casual, try the laidback Coin Laundry, a retrostyle bar and restaurant with 70s décor. Show your Sadler’s Wells ticket to get 15% off pre-theatre meals until 6:30pm. Their menu highlights seasonal produce, offering both small and larger plates – from grilled peaches with burrata and smoky padrón peppers for sharing, to heartier dishes like roasted aubergine with tahini and harissa, or grilled sea bass with new potatoes.