Sadler’s Wells today announces more programming for 2026

Season includes internationally renowned British electronic producer and DJ Floating Points performing live on stage with San Francisco Ballet, while Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns

Flamenco Festival is back with performances from Eva Yerbabuena, Manuel Liñán, Israel Galván and Rocío Molina 

New season features artists from Brazil, Cuba, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the United States

Sir Alistair Spalding CBE, Sadler’s Wells Artistic Director and Co-Chief Executive, said, "We are delighted to be announcing a new slate of shows for 2026 today. From the return of San Francisco Ballet, to an exciting repertory of work from the pioneering Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and bold voices in contemporary dance from around the world, we believe there’s something here for everyone. There’s family work, exciting collaborations with world-class DJs, leading contemporary work, a brilliantly diverse ballet offer, and a fortnight of the very best of flamenco. We look forward to seeing you at one of our theatres this year.”

San Francisco Ballet returns to London for the first time since 2019 with Mere Mortals at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in September. The new work features choreography by Aszure Barton alongside a live performance by acclaimed British electronic music producer and DJ Floating Points, and marks the company's first visit to England since Tamara Rojo took up post as Artistic Director. 
 
Also in September, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Sadler’s Wells Theatre under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack with two programmes showcasing the best of the pioneering company’s repertory, one with classic works and one with new works, both include Ailey’s iconic Revelations.  

In the summer, Flamenco Festival is back for a fortnight of performances and concerts by Flamenco heavyweights such as Eva Yerbabuena, Manuel Liñán, Israel Galván, Rocío Molina, Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía and more. The Festival takes place across Sadler’s Wells Theatre and Sadler’s Wells East.    

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures presents its beloved production of Cinderella for the Christmas 2026 season. With Olivier Award-winning designs by Lez Brotherston, Bourne’s epic interpretation of the classic fairytale is accompanied by Prokofiev’s magnificent score.

Leeds-based Phoenix Dance Theatre returns following their sell-out production Inside Giovanni’s Room in 2025, with a mixed bill of works by internationally renowned choreographers. Portuguese choreographer and 2025 Rose International Dance Prize finalist Marco da Silva Ferreira presents highly anticipated new work F*cking Future. Both are presented at Sadler’s Wells East in June.  

Renowned company Theatre-Rites celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, collaborating with award-winning South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma, in a new family work Return to the Forest at Sadler’s Wells East in May, featuring puppetry from Sue Buckmaster.  

Marking its third season at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, the resurgent London City Ballet presents Firebird - A Double Bill in October. Choreographer John Neumeier’s adaptation of his 2020 piece, Ghost Light is performed by guest artist Alina Cojocaru, whilst American choreographer Glen Tetley’s centenary year is celebrated with a revival of his gothic retelling of Firebird.  

Dutch-Swedish choreographer Jefta van Dinther presents REMACHINE at Sadler’s Wells East in May, a new collaboration with composer Anna von Hausswolff exploring the interplay between humans and technology.  

Carlos Acosta presents the latest graduates from his Cuban Dance Academy, Acosta Danza Yunior Company in Next Generation at Sadler’s Wells East, a quadruple bill with work from Susana Pous, Juliano Nunes, Kit Holder and Didy Veldman.  

Choreographer Alice Ripoll makes her Sadler’s Wells debut in the the Lilian Baylis Studio with PUFF. Featuring performer Hiltinho Fantástico the piece explores disguise and disappearance through Passinho, an urban dance style born in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

Also in the Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells presents its first ever film festival, Dance Digital. Celebrating the best dance in digital formats from across the globe, the programme features screenings, installations, Q&As with artists and expert talks.