Sadler’s Wells East unveils debut programme ahead of opening next February
Sadler’s Wells new East London base has announced its opening programme ahead of the venue’s official launch early next year.
The building opens its doors in Stratford next February as part of the transformation of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Sadler’s Wells East forms part of the new East Bank cultural and educational quarter alongside other institutions including BBC Music Studios, London College of Fashion, UAL, V&A East and UCL East.
The inaugural season will feature over 20 productions, including eight UK premieres and 10 Sadler’s Wells co-productions and commissions.
The season will open with Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu’s Our Mighty Groove, featuring a community cast from east London alongside professional dancers.
There are also planned productions of Romeo & Juliet, the Rite of Spring and Snow White while Carlos Acosta has selected the repertoire for a “Ballet Celebration” performed by young dancers at Birmingham Royal Ballet.
In April, Danish choreographer Mette Ingvartsen, will present “Skatepark” which teams up dancers with skateboarders on a stage filled with ramps to explore “the speed and energy of movement on wheels”.
Other highlights include hip hop theatre pioneer turned photographer Benji Reid’s show “Find Your Eyes” where the stage becomes a photography studio and Dan Daw Creative Projects’ “The Dan Daw Show” which features a disability led performance.
Sadler’s Wells artistic director Sir Alistair Spalding CBE said the opening programme offered the audience “dance from every angle”.
He said it “reflects our vision for what we hope Sadler’s Wells East will be for many years: a cultural hub that has deep local roots, one that makes tangible national impact and has an international outlook.
“Crucially, this is a space where dance can be created and shared, a space for the community to come and join in, and for dance artists to experiment and inspire the next generation."
There will be 20,000 tickets available for £25 or under and £10 Barclays Dance Pass tickets for 16 – 30 year olds for every single performance.
The Stratford venue is a new outpost for Sadler’s Wells whose north London base in Islington has hosted theatre and dance since 1683.
Sadler’s Well East opens February 6 2025. Public booking opens September 25 2024. For the full programme and to book, head here.