Sadler's Wells London
Sadler's Wells Tickets
What’s On at Sadler's Wells
Ballet, contemporary dance showcases and touring musicals make events at Sadler’s Wells some of the most diverse in central London. One of the must-see shows at the venue in the next few months is the acclaimed The Car Man ballet, which is back after a UK tour. This vibrant show, choreographed by Olivier Award winner Matthew Bourne, is a gritty interpretation of Bizet’s Carmen, set in ‘60s small-town USA. With a thrilling story and powerful choreography, it's the perfect introduction to dance if you're a newbie.
Sadler's Wells has a varied events schedule throughout the year, with dance productions of all styles to excite and entertain. Other new shows for 2026 include English National Ballet double bill Body & Soul.
About the Sadler's Wells
A theatre has stood on the site of Sadler's Wells in Angel, Islington since the late 1600s and has been rebuilt six times over the course of four centuries. In 1925 renowned theatre producer Lilian Baylis, who owned the Old Vic, set up a charitable foundation, Sadler’s Wells Trust Ltd, to purchase Sadler's Wells for the nation, specialising in dance and opera.
Sadler's Wells closed in 1995 and a £54 million building project commenced, largely funded by the National Lottery. Sadler's Wells moved to the Peacock Theatre until 1998, and this West End venue still hosts a programme of dance productions for the company today. The current Sadler's Wells Theatre opened in 1998 with a performance by Rambert Dance Company of Gilbert & Sullivan's Iolanthe. In 2004, Alistair Spalding became artistic director, transforming the venue into a contemporary dance house and introducing five associate artists who would develop new work at the theatre, these artists included Matthew Bourne, Akram Khan and BalletBoyz.
Notable productions at Sadler's Wells include the world premiere of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake in 1995, The Most Incredible Thing with music by the Pet Shop Boys, and Jonathan Church's critically acclaimed production of Singin' in the Rain, which returned in 2021.
Should I get there early?
If you arrive early at the venue, be sure to enjoy the bars available at the theatre, or grab a bite at the Fox Garden Court Cafe - with both indoor and outdoor seating available, it’s perfect during the summer.
Map and Address
Rosebery Ave, Islington, London, EC1R 4TN
Rail: King's Cross/St. Pancras is around a 20-minute walk away from Sadler’s Wells, connecting to national and international rail services.
Tube: King's Cross station has links to the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines. Closest to Sadler’s Wells is Angel station on the Northern line, a short 10-minute walk along St John Street. Farringdon, on the Elizabeth, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, is around a 20-minute walk away.
Bus: Bus routes 19, 38 and 341 stop directly outside the theatre.
Car: Sadler’s Wells has a small car park, where spaces are reserved for over 65s, members of the venue’s access scheme and Blue Badge holders. On-street parking can be found on local streets, free in evenings and at weekends. Drop-offs are possible outside the theatre on Rosebery Street.
Nearby Attractions
Sadler’s Wells Theatre sits to the south of Islington and Angel. Islington is a vibrant area of London full of shops, restaurants, bars, and performance venues. A short walk from Angel station is the Old Red Lion, a renowned pub theatre which has hosted many small-scale shows which have gone on to transfer to bigger venues and the Edinburgh Fringe. Angel Central is a shopping centre hosting many mainstream stores and the O2 Academy Islington, and Upper Street has a range of smaller boutique shops as well as bars and restaurants. Nearby, Camden Passage is famous for its antiques market and boutique stores. To the north of Islington and close to Highbury and Islington station is Union Chapel, a renowned music and events venue.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Sadler's Wells box office open and how do I collect tickets?
The box office opens from 12-6pm Monday-Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays) and remains open 20 minutes after curtain up. Tickets are issued by e-ticket only.
What time does Sadler's Wells open for a show?
The auditorium opens around 30 minutes before the show starts, and you are welcome to either take your seats early or remain in the bar/lobby until final calls for the show.
What food and drink are available at Sadler's Wells?
This venue is a great spot to soak up the pre-show atmosphere with a range of bars and cafes on-site. The Fox Garden Court Cafe serves up a range of salads, hot food and cakes, alongside a range of drink options. There are bars located on both levels of the circle, which serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, alongside bar snacks such as crisps, nuts and ice cream.
Does Sadler's Wells have a cloakroom?
There are cloakroom facilities for small items and coats. Please note, storage is not available for large bags, rucksacks or backpacks. The cloakroom is located on the basement level of the building.
Is Sadler's Wells air-conditioned?
Yes, the theatre is fully air-conditioned.
Where should I eat near Sadler's Wells?
The venue is located in Angel and only a five-minute walk from Upper Street, which is a bustling area packed with restaurants, cafes and pubs to eat before and after the show. If you're looking for fast food, McDonald's is a 10-minute walk and Five Guys is a 15-minute walk from the venue. Alternatively, try some award-winning Indochinese cuisine at Banana Tree, which is less than a five-minute walk away.
What is the best hotel to stay at near Sadler's Wells?
The DoubleTree Hilton Angel Islington is just a five-minute walk away and offers a range of rooms at affordable prices. The hotel is well located for nearby transport links at Angel London Underground station. For an Apart-Hotel experience, try Citadines Islington, which is just a 15-minute stroll from the venue.
How do I contact the box office?
The box office can be contacted by email at tickets@sadlerswells.com.
