Sadler's Wells

Venue info

183 Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN, Verenigd Koninkrijk Sadler's Wells is een iconisch theater in Londen dat regelmatig wordt uitgelicht op British Theatre. Bekijk hier alle informatie over de nieuwste voorstellingen, praktische tips voor je bezoek en advies voor het boeken van je tickets. Op het bekende terrein in Clerkenwell hebben door de jaren heen verschillende versies van het Sadler’s Wells-theater gestaan. De oorsprong ligt in 1683 met de opening van een bescheiden ‘Musick House’. Dankzij de vermeende helende werking van de naamgevende waterbron trok het theater een breed publiek, totdat het in de 18e eeuw in verval raakte. In 1765 opende een volledig nieuw gebouw dat onderdak bood aan uiteenlopende producties, van vaderlandslievende stukken en maritieme melodrama’s (met een vernuftig waterpodium) tot literaire bewerkingen. De bestemming veranderde echter drastisch toen het in 1875 een rolschaatsbaan werd, om drie jaar later onveilig te worden verklaard. Na de heropening als theater in 1879 werd het een geliefde plek voor music-hall-artiesten, tot het in 1896 werd omgevormd tot bioscoop. In 1915 sloten de deuren opnieuw, en pas op 6 januari 1931 kreeg het theater een nieuw leven. Deze 20e-eeuwse doorstart begon groots met ‘Twelfth Night’, met steracteurs Ralph Richardson en John Gielgud. Tevens kreeg een eigen balletschool hier een vaste repetitieruimte. Tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog was het theater gesloten, maar in 1945 volgde de heropening. Nadat het operagezelschap naar het London Coliseum was verhuisd, profileerde Sadler’s Wells zich steeds meer als dé plek voor aanstormend talent en moderne dans. Een absoluut hoogtepunt in deze periode was de bejubelde productie van Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’ in 1995. Het huidige gebouw werd officieel geopend op 11 oktober 1998. Vandaag de dag is Sadler’s Wells nog steeds het toonaangevende podium voor dansgezelschappen van wereldformaat. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (6 november 2013 – 10 november 2013)Hofesh Shechter (30 oktober 2013 – 3 november 2013) Wegens de korte speelduur (1-6 dagen), zijn er verder geen gegevens over deze voorstellingen beschikbaar. Bowling Green Lane (parkeren 24 uur per dag mogelijk). Er is ook parkeergelegenheid op straat in Hardwick Street. ROLSTOELTOEGANKELIJKHEID: Aangepaste zitplaatsen beschikbaar. Zijn er aangepaste toiletten? TOEGANKELIJKHEID VOOR SLECHTHORENDEN: Zijn er voorzieningen voor slechthorenden? Er is een infraroodsysteem aanwezig in de gehele zaal (ringleiding en headsets). Zijn hulphonden toegestaan? Hulphonden zijn welkom in de zaal. Neem voor meer informatie rechtstreeks contact op met het theater. Wees er als eerste bij voor de beste tickets, exclusieve aanbiedingen en het laatste nieuws uit West End. U kunt zich op elk gewenst moment afmelden. Privacybeleid

History

Many different incarnations of the Sadler’s Wells theatre have stood upon the site in Clerkenwell. The first was a simple ‘Musick House’, which opened in 1683. Coupled with the eponymous well’s water and its status as a cure-all, the theatre enjoyed a wide array of clientele before its eventual decline in the 18th Century.

A newly constructed theatre opened in 1765, hosting a wide variety of productions, including patriotic plays and naval melodramas (with the assistance of an aquatic theatre), and literary adaptations. The theatre was eventually converted into a roller-skating rink in 1875 and condemned in 1878.

It re-opened as a theatre in 1879, becoming home to many music hall performers and eventually converting to a cinema in 1896. The theatre would close again in 1915, not to be reopened until 6 January 1931. The inaugural production of this new 20th Century phase was Twelfth Night starring Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud and a ballet school was established, after being granted regular rehearsal space.

The theatre closed during the Second World War and reopened in 1945. After losing its opera company to the London Coliseum, the theatre became the home for new artists and contemporary dance. This continued throughout the 20th Century, with one of the most successful productions being Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake (1995).

The current incarnation of the theatre opened on 11 October 1998, where it continues to play host to a wide variety of dance companies all across the world.

Past performances

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (6 November 2013 – 10 November 2013)
Hofesh Shechter (30 October 2013 – 3 November 2013)

Due to short runs (1-6 days)
, further past production information is unavailable.

Transport

Tube

Angel

Train

Old Street, St Pancras

Bus

19, 38, 341

Parking

Bowling Green Lane (24hr car park). On-street parking in Hardwick Street.

Seating plan

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Adapted seating available.Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available.

Assisted Performances

Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium (induction loop and headsets).Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

What visitors say

4.0 · 5 months ago

It was my first time at this theatre, and it was modern and relatively small. During the intermission, the staff at the bar were very friendly and helpful. To be honest, my only disappointment wasn’t with the theatre itself but with the audience. Although it was a contemporary ballet performance, I was quite surprised by how casually most people were dressed. Perhaps it’s because the venue is more modern? At most of the ballet performances I’ve attended before, the audience usually dressed quite formally — some men even wore suits with flowers in their breast pockets — but this one was very different. Anyway, there’s a bus stop right in front of the theatre, so transport is convenient, but after the show it felt a bit isolated for catching a taxi, so I’d recommend booking an Uber in advance.

— Louise Louise

5.0 · 2 months ago

Sadler’s Wells is a true gem and a must-visit for anyone who loves the arts. The theatre has a beautiful, modern feel while still carrying a real sense of history, and the atmosphere is welcoming without ever feeling stuffy. The programming is consistently outstanding, showcasing world-class dance in all its forms—from contemporary and ballet to bold, experimental work you won’t see anywhere else. Sightlines are excellent, the sound and lighting elevate every performance, and the whole experience feels thoughtfully curated from the moment you arrive. It’s the kind of place that leaves you inspired long after the curtain comes down.

— Andrea

5.0 · a month ago

My husband and I watched Mary, Queen of Scots yesterday. It was brilliant! The choreography, set design music and the top quality dancers was incredible. The air-conditioning was freezing cold. If you have vertigo, perhaps do not sit on the top level. The staff was great and the theatre is not a maze like some others. The seats are super narrow and leg room is limited. The view was good, we were in Row C on the top level.

— Courtney Lawrence

5.0 · 3 months ago

A wonderful experience, great seats, comfortable with good view of the stage. Great performance of Red Shoes. Bag check on arrival was notified in advance when we booked our tickets and was easily done. Options for drinks and ice cream in the very spacious foyer which also has some seating. Travel options are plentiful and there are lots of local eateries and bars and coffee shops.

— Caroline Blair

Reviews sourced from Google Maps.

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Frequently asked questions

What's on at Sadler's Wells?

There is no production currently on sale at Sadler's Wells. Check back soon, or browse our full list of West End shows.

What's the nearest tube station to Sadler's Wells?

The nearest tube station is Angel.

Where is Sadler's Wells?

Sadler's Wells is located at 183 Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN.

How can I contact Sadler's Wells?

You can call Sadler's Wells on 020 7863 8000. For tickets and bookings, please use British Theatre to secure the best seats.

Is Sadler's Wells accessible?

Sadler's Wells offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, wheelchair-accessible toilets. Please contact the venue directly if you have specific access requirements.

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Venue info

History

Past performances

Transport

Seating plan