Sadler's Wells, London
Sadler's Wells is a dance theatre on Rosebery Avenue in Angel, about five minutes' walk from Angel tube. There are about 1,500 seats over three levels and a new company on stage every week or two, from ballet to contemporary and hip hop. This Christmas it's Matthew Bourne's Cinderella, from 1 December 2026 to 17 January 2027.
Around 1,500 seats
3 shows on now · From £15 · See shows
Still choosing seats? For dance, sit a little further back and higher than you would for a musical, so you see the whole stage and the dancers' feet. The front of the First Circle is where we'd sit, then the middle of the Stalls from row D back. The cheapest seats are at the back of the Second Circle, where the legroom is tight.
Already booked? Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before, no later: there are bag searches at the door, and the cloakroom only takes coats and small bags. The bars on every level open an hour before the show.
Each level has its own page: the Stalls, the First Circle and the Second Circle, all three side by side on the seating plan. After those come how to get here, access, bars and facilities, restaurants, pubs and hotels nearby and more about the theatre.
Quick facts
- Address: Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN
- Nearest tube: Angel, about 5 minutes
- Capacity: about 1,500
- Levels: Stalls, First Circle and Second Circle, with side slips on each
- Lifts: to every level
- Arrive: 20 to 30 minutes before, no later
What's On at Sadler's Wells
Most companies come for a week or less, so the programme changes all the time. Ballet, contemporary dance, flamenco, tap and hip hop all play here, from the big touring ballet companies to Sadler's Wells' own productions. Playing now and next:
- Acosta Danza: Cuban Baroque, until 10 October
- Ballet Black at 25, 14 to 17 October
- London City Ballet: Firebird, 22 to 24 October
- Birmingham Royal Ballet: Swan Lake, 28 to 31 October
- Tango After Dark, 5 to 9 November
- BalletBoyz: Six Lethargies, 18 to 21 November
The big run of the year is Christmas, when Matthew Bourne's New Adventures takes over for about seven weeks. In 2026 it's Matthew Bourne's Cinderella, from Tuesday 1 December 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027, back for its 30th anniversary. It's set in London during the Blitz and told entirely in dance, to Prokofiev's music. Evenings are at 7:30pm Tuesday to Saturday, with 2:30pm matinees on Thursday and Saturday, 2pm on Sunday, and no Monday performances. It runs 2 hours 20 minutes, including two intervals.
Over Christmas the times change, so check your day on the show page. There's no performance on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are matinee only, and Boxing Day has one performance at 4pm.
Ticket prices
Prices change from show to show, so you'll find them on each show's own page. For Matthew Bourne's Cinderella this Christmas, tickets start from around £20. Book with us and it's all-in pricing, the price you see is what you pay.
Book Sadler's Wells tickets
All-in pricing, the price you see is what you pay.
Sadler's Wells FAQs
How many seats does Sadler's Wells have?
About 1,500, over the Stalls, the First Circle and the Second Circle. The exact number moves a little from show to show, because the front rows of the Stalls come out when a production needs an orchestra pit.
Is Sadler's Wells in the West End?
No, it's in Islington, five minutes from Angel tube. Sadler's Wells' West End theatre is the Peacock, near Holborn.
Is The Snowman on at Sadler's Wells?
No, The Snowman plays at the Peacock Theatre near Holborn, from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Sadler's Wells' Christmas show on Rosebery Avenue is Matthew Bourne's Cinderella.
Is there a dress code?
No. Wear what you're comfortable in, smart or casual.
Can I bring a large bag?
No. Bags are searched on the way in, and large rucksacks and suitcases aren't allowed. The cloakroom takes coats and small items for £1.
Can I eat at Sadler's Wells?
Yes. The Fox Garden Court Cafe serves hot and cold food, cakes and coffee from 9am to 7:30pm on performance days, and the bars sell sandwiches and snacks. For a proper meal, Exmouth Market is a few minutes' walk away.
Can I take drinks in?
Yes, in plastic bottles or cups, but no glass. Snacks are fine too, but not hot food or packed lunches.
Can I bring children?
Under-5s generally aren't admitted, unless the show says so. Under-16s must be with an adult. Booster seats are in very short supply, so bring your own if your child needs one.
What happens if I'm late?
You'll be held outside and let in at a suitable break, which may not be until the interval, and some shows don't admit latecomers at all. There are screens in the foyer to watch until then.
Is Sadler's Wells air-conditioned?
Yes, unlike the Peacock, Sadler's Wells' West End theatre, which isn't.
Can I book by phone?
Yes, on 020 7193 9050. You'll talk to a real person, and the price we quote is the price you pay.
Do you offer group bookings?
Yes. Call us on 020 7193 9050, and for the Christmas run, call early.