Zero at Sadler's Wells

Sadler's Wells is situated on Rosebery Avenue in Islington, close to Angel tube station. Originally constructed in 1683, Sadler’s Wells was completely rebuilt several times prior to its current incarnation as a 1560 seat venue.

It's been a music hall and a cinema, and was restored as a theatre in the early 20th century.

Today, Sadler’s Wells enjoys consistent success and is known as both a producing and receiving house (a theatre that hosts productions it hasn’t originated itself). It presents theatre, dance and contemporary music performances. 

Like any long-serving institution, it’s experienced its fair share of changes over the years. With the exception of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the site on which Sadler’s Wells stands is the longest established continuous place of entertainment in the United Kingdom. An entertainment venue has occupied its site since the 1683 construction of the Musick House. That old wooden venue was demolished in 1765 to make room for a new brick theatre, which was opened in April of that year.

In 1772 the interior of the theatre was reconstructed. Ten years later the theatre was demolished completely and rebuilt on the same site. In 1879 the interior of the theatre was remodelled once more, with only the exterior walls remaining.

After a number of different managers during the 20^th century the theatre became run down and closed in in 1915. It reopened in 1931, and the Sadler’s Wells Ballet School and the Vic-Wells Ballet Schools were established. Sadler’s Wells closed during WWII and did not reopen again until 1945.

The current theatre opened in 1998. The new design provided a larger stage, allowing larger companies and performances in the theatre.   

Recent successes include Zero Degrees, Push, Rambert Dance Company, Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures and Matthew Bourne’s A Play Without Words.

Whatever you decide to see at Sadler’s Wells, we wish you an entertaining and rewarding visit.