Sadler’s Wells East, a new powerhouse for dance, unveils its opening programme

Today, Sadler’s Wells announces its opening programme for Sadler’s Wells East, a new powerhouse for dance. Situated in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Sadler’s Wells East forms part of East Bank, the UK’s newest cultural and educational quarter, alongside the BBC Music Studios, London College of Fashion, UAL, V&A East and UCL East (University College London).
 

- Inaugural season features over 20 productions, including eight UK premieres and ten Sadler’s Wells co-productions and commissions.

- Sadler’s Wells East opens in February 2025 with Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu's Our Mighty Groove  featuring a community cast from east London alongside professional dancers. London-based artists championed throughout opening season, which culminates in new collaboration with Stratford East.

- Season also showcases the best work being created across the country with artists from Manchester, Birmingham, Ashford, Leeds, Newcastle, Leicester, Cardiff all featured.

- Trajal Harrell, Mythili Prakash, and Emma Martin make their Sadler’s Wells debuts as programme spotlights leading international choreographic voices.

- Audiences can expect a range of styles: everything from hip hop to bharatanatyam, ballet to dance theatre, vogue, house and waacking.

- Flexible auditorium to be transformed at various points into a skatepark, a club dance floor, a photography studio and an immersive rave experience.

- 20,000 tickets available for £25 or under and £10 Barclays Dance Pass tickets for 16 – 30 year olds for every single performance.

Sir Alistair Spalding CBE, Artistic Director and Co-Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells, said:
“We are so pleased to be able to share the opening programme for Sadler’s Wells East today. 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. The season offers a kaleidoscope of dance styles, and there will be something for everyone. Whether you've visited one of our theatres many times before, or if this is your first introduction to Sadler’s Wells - you’ll get dance from every angle. 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."
 
Britannia Morton, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive of Sadler's Wells, said:
“Sadler’s Wells East is purpose built for dance and dance makers, we think it’s going to make such a difference. The building will contribute to a thriving local creative scene and the ecology of east London, we have committed to 50% of new roles going to residents from four local boroughs. We’re delighted to be collaborating with existing partners in the local area, including Stratford East, and our many community partners for the opening season. Accessibility is key to us, so we’re ensuring that 50% of all tickets across this season will be priced at £25 or less, with £10 tickets available to under 30s. Everyone is welcome, so please do come and join us in Stratford.”
 
Rob Jones, Associate Artistic Director of Sadler’s Wells, said: 
“My hope is that this theatre will become a really vital part of the dance ecology: a place where the community, the professional and the social all collide together in one big, beautiful cocktail that ultimately brings  people into dance and act as a catalyst for developing choreographers. This first season is a fantastic mix of work, and we're really excited that many artists from across the UK and around the world will be making their Sadler's Wells debuts with us in our new building – this is an extremely special moment and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
 
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“The announcement of Sadler’s Wells East’s opening programme is another huge milestone in the East Bank story. It will give dance in the capital a huge boost, with a wide range of productions to enjoy and fantastic opportunities for local performers to work alongside professional dancers. We are creating a powerhouse for innovation, creativity and learning at East Bank, and Sadler’s Wells East is a fantastic example of what it will achieve as we build a better London for everyone.”

Discover the programme here:https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/?venue-location=sadlers-wells-east