Sadler's Wells this Festive Season

Festive classics return this Christmas season to Sadler’s Wells Theatre, the Peacock Theatre and Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage, with something for everyone including Birmingham Rep’s The Snowman, Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes and Ballo Arthur Pita’s The Little Match Girl. The first Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells East sees a brand-new take on A Christmas Carol, with hip hop reimagining Ebony Scrooge, a ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company and Sadler’s Wells production.  

Ebony Scrooge runs from Wednesday 26 November - Sunday 4 January 2026. A bold retelling of the Dickens classic, blending hip hop, comedy and physical theatre, this family friendly hip hop dance theatre show is brought to life by East London born and raised Olivier Award winning choreographer Dannielle 'Rhimes' Lecointe. The show will feature original music from Sky Arts and Olivier Award-winning East London based Boy Blue Co-Artistic Director Michael 'Mikey J' Asante MBE. 

The family show follows Ebony, the formidable fashion designer behind a renowned fashion empire who has cancelled Christmas to focus on her landmark fashion show. Surrounded by wealth, style and success, Ebony embarks on a journey as she is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future and rediscovers her Caribbean roots, and the true meaning of happiness. 
 
The first Christmas show at Sadler’s Wells East will round off the first year at the new theatre, which opened in February and will have staged over 30 dance productions in its auditorium in 2025 alongside a programme of free performances, events and workshops across the building. 

Birmingham Rep kicks off the festive season with its family festive classic The Snowman. Now playing its 28th year at Sadler’s Wells’ home in the West End, the Peacock Theatre, The Snowman runs from Saturday 22 November 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026.

A magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson, The Snowman continues to enchant audiences of all ages, transporting them to the wonderland of a boy and a snowman who comes to life. 

The Snowman features music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including the song 'Walking in the Air’, all played by a live orchestra. It has choreography by Robert North, is directed by Bill Alexander and designed by Ruari Murchison, with lighting by Tim Mitchell. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the classic Aled Jones recording, making the performance a special celebration of the beloved music.

This year’s production sees young performer Teddy Holton-Frances return to share the lead role as The Boy. Teddy was featured in last year’s documentary, The Snowman and Me, which followed his journey alongside another young performer Phoenix Beharry, from audition to opening night. The Snowman and Me is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Matthew Bourne's New Adventures presents The Red Shoes at Sadler’s Wells Theatre from Tuesday 2 December 2025 – Sunday 18 January 2026. 

A timeless fairytale and Academy Award-winning movie, The Red Shoes has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its tale of obsession and possession. Victoria Page lives to dance but her ambitions become a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion.  

Matthew Bourne’s double Olivier Award-winning production of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film is set to a score orchestrated by Terry Davies, featuring the music of golden-age Hollywood composer Bernard Herrmann, with designs by Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Paule Constable (lighting) and Paul Groothuis (sound).

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s traditional tale and with a powerful message at its heart, Ballo Arthur Pita’s The Little Match Girl, originally created for the stage has been made into a high-quality film for Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage. Teachers can register now to have access for free until 31 January 2026. Pupils can enjoy world-class dance from the comfort of their classroom, along with accompanying teacher resources available on Padlet those working at Key Stage One and Key Stage Two.  
 
A snowy stage sets the scene for an icy cold Christmas eve, where the little match girl paces the emptying streets, desperately trying to sell her matches. Along her journey she encounters kindness and cruelty in a fable about family, friendship and hope. With a powerful message at its heart, The Little Match Girl reminds us of the importance of kindness and to consider those less fortunate than ourselves. The classic tale is brought to life with music, dance and some unusual instruments. 

Find out more and sign up: The Little Match Girl - schools resource pack registration form - Sadler's Wells