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 return of the acclaimed Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. This is one of the most famous and celebrated ballets in the world, told in a way that will take your breath away. Bourne's dazzling vision and bold direction make his version a modern classic to enjoy over the Christmas period.
Sadler's Wells has a varied events schedule throughout the year, with dance productions of all styles to excite and entertain. Keep an eye on listings for news of the full 2025 season.
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 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.
Map and Address
Rosebery Ave, Islington, London, EC1R 4TN
Sadler’s Wells is situated in a quiet part of Islington in North London, near Angel tube station and high street. About 10 minutes away from the theatre, you can find Upper Street, a busy road with many excellent places to eat and drink. There are also opportunities for shopping along Upper Street, and closer to the theatre you can find several small parks and garden squares. There are also pubs and places to eat nearby. Consult www.tfl.gov.uk before you set out on your journey in case there are any disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Sadler's Wells box office open and how do I collect tickets?
The box office opens from 10am - 8pm on Monday - Saturday. Tickets can be collected on the day of your performance from the box office. Please ensure you bring along your confirmation email and a form of ID.
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.
