The List

Sadler's Wells Theatre

There's been entertainment on this site ever since Richard Sadler opened his Musick House in 1683, claiming that the well water found on the property had medicinal quality, but in its current incarnation as London's top dance theatre, Sadler's Wells dates from 1925, when producer Lilian Baylis and ambitious young dancer/choreographer Ninette de Valois started a ballet company in the theatre. The current building dates from 1998, and incorporates the skeleton of the previous one from 1931. Today, Sadler's Wells commissions and produces as well as hosts new dance works from British and international artists, as well as hosting Breakin' Convention, the international hip-hop theatre festival. The nearest Tube station is Angel (Northern) and the theatre is served by the 19, 38 and 341 buses. There is on-street free parking in Hardwick Street and other streets off Rosebery Avenue, and a 24-hour car park in Bowling Green Lane.

What's On @ Sadler's Wells Theatre

Breakin' Convention

Breakin' Convention

2 May 2026 - 3 May 2026

Fuel your soul this spring with Breakin’ Convention, the world’s biggest festival of hip hop theatre. Hosted and curated by Jonzi D, the festival features the freshest works from your favourite artists. Get bank holiday ready for jaw-dropping performances, live DJs, dance workshops, graffiti, emcees, and spontaneous cyphers all over Sadler’s Wells in an unforgettable experience. Welcoming all hip hop heads from the old school to the new school. BSL INTERPRETED: Saturday, 2nd May, 6:00pm, Sunday, 3rd May, 6:00pm
The Car Man

The Car Man

28 Jul 2026 - 29 Aug 2026

Matthew Bourne’s award-winning The Car Man is back! Loosely based on Bizet’s ever-popular opera, The Car Man has one of the most thrilling and instantly recognisable scores in New Adventures’ repertoire. The familiar 19th Century Spanish cigarette factory becomes a greasy 1950s garage-diner in the American Mid-West where the dreams and passions of a small-town are shattered by the arrival of a handsome and enigmatic stranger. Fuelled by heat and desire, the inhabitants are driven into an unstoppable spiral of greed, lust, betrayal and revenge. Matthew Bourne’s vivid storytelling combines with one of the most passionately dramatic scores ever written, with music by Terry Davies featuring Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suite (after Bizet’s Carmen), to create a dance thriller like no other. The Car Man will ignite your senses and leave you breathless. AUDIO DESCRIBED WITH TOUCH TOUR: Sat, 8th August, 2:30pm
Gentleman Jack

Gentleman Jack

19 May 2026 - 23 May 2026

Masters of storytelling Northern Ballet bring to the stage the extraordinary story of Anne Lister – better known as Gentleman Jack. A powerful Yorkshire woman often referred to as ‘the first modern lesbian’, it was only after her death when her secret diaries were decoded that a truly exceptional life was uncovered. Anne lived, dressed and loved as she desired, not as 19th century society expected her to. With her words dancing across the pages, she vividly chronicled her adventures, heartbreaks and triumphs with striking honesty and wit. Inspiring biographies, novels, a hit TV series and now a ballet, Anne’s story leaps from page to stage in this thrilling new production choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and performed to new live music by Peter Salem. AUDIO DESCRIBED: Saturday, 23rd May, 2:30pm (with touch tour)
Still Pointless – BalletBoyz at 25

Still Pointless – BalletBoyz at 25

12 May 2026 - 16 May 2026

With signature irreverence and a discerning eye for beautiful dance, BalletBoyz return in May 2026 with their brand-new production Still Pointless, marking the 25th Anniversary of the company’s critically acclaimed debut, Pointless (yes, it’s really been that long!). 10 world-class dancers open with the world-premiere of a brand-new commission, taking audiences through a retrospective journey. With 25 years of commissioning, producing, and performing dance, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of how dance is presented by artists and enjoyed by audiences. Incorporating live dance and film, the evening will feature excerpts of work from the company’s history including choreographers Christopher Wheeldon, Iván Perez, Maxine Doyle, Liam Scarlett, Xie Xin, and Javier de Frutos, and composers Cassie Kinoshi, Keaton Henson, and Max Richter. At once looking forward to the future with enthusiasm and ambition, and looking back to celebrate all the company has achieved, the show will culminate with Russell Maliphant’s seminal work Critical Mass, performed as part of the original show at the Roundhouse back in 2001. Come and experience an evening of dance that could only be BalletBoyz.
Don Quixote

Don Quixote

23 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Director, Carlos Acosta, promises entertainment for all ages in this revival of his production of this 19th-century masterpiece. Don Quixote introduces us to Cervantes’ famous knight himself, lovers Kitri and Basilio, and a host of supporting characters. As the Don sets out on a quest to track down his true love, with his loyal friend and servant Sancho Panza at his side, he finds himself embroiled in an unlikely adventure of love and dreams. If you like Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, you shouldn’t miss this classic tale, full of thrilling pas de deux, delightful music played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and much, much more! AUDIO DESCRIBED: Saturday, 25th April, 2:30pm (with touch tour)
This Is Rambert

This Is Rambert

10 Jun 2026 - 13 Jun 2026

This is Rambert; now, as they’ve always been; living and breathing dance DNA; committed to putting the spotlight on voices, visions and ideas shaping our world today. Dance that’s alive with urgency, energy and relevance. For their centenary, Rambert bring together handpicked, bite-size, high-impact works from artists with something urgent to say – including work from (LA)HORDE, Emma Evelein, and a brand new commission. Works that speak of the now, amplify untold stories, thrive on difference and match the speed and intensity of modern life. This programme captures what matters right now – a glimpse of the future from the company that has always led the way. This is Rambert.
Tango After Dark

Tango After Dark

5 Nov 2026 - 9 Nov 2026

Step into the intoxicating world of Buenos Aires nightlife, where passion, drama and desire are brought vividly to life through the most sensual of dances: the Argentine tango. Back by overwhelming demand after its sold-out 2018 run, World Tango Champion Germán Cornejo returns with his extraordinary dance company in the internationally acclaimed Tango After Dark. This is tango as it was meant to be experienced: raw, intimate and irresistibly seductive. Ten of the world’s finest dancers deliver a breathtaking display of strength, elegance and emotion, each step a conversation, each embrace a story. Their performances are fuelled by the electrifying sounds of a live orchestra of five virtuoso musicians, alongside two phenomenal singers, performing the music of legendary composer Astor Piazzolla. His iconic Nuevo Tango pulses through every note, infusing the evening with “extra drive and sizzle” (The Times). Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or discovering tango for the first time, Tango After Dark will set your heart racing and your soul on fire. This is not just a show, it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the rhythm of the night, to feel the heat and to witness the true essence of Argentine tango at its very best.
Noda Map – 320°F

Noda Map – 320°F

2 Jul 2026 - 11 Jul 2026

– 320°F has been written by the founder of NODA MAP Hideki Noda, who will also direct and appear as one of the main cast, as he does in every production. The London shows will be performed in Japanese with English subtitles. NODA MAP was founded in 1994 by Hideki Noda after a year in London studying theatre on a Monbusho (Culture Ministry) scholarship. NODA MAP are known for producing both large and small scale theatre works including Kill, Pandra’s Bell, Red Demon (UK / Japan / Thailand / Korea), The Bee  based on the short story Mushiriai (Plucking At Each Other) by Yasutaka Tsutsui (UK/Japan/US/Hong Kong), The Diver (UK/Japan), The Character, Egg (Japan/France), One Green Bottle (Japan/Korea/UK/Romania/Taiwan), Fakespeare, A Night At The Kabuki (Japan/UK/Taiwan), Usagi Nami wo Hashiru, Love in Action (Japan/UK) and more.

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