Who's Coming to East Bank: Sadler's Wells Theatre, Stratford

Alongside world-renowned institutions like BBC Music, The V&A and The Smithsonian, Sadler’s Wells Theatre Stratford will join the list of new, purpose-built buildings on the banks of the canal.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre has existed in a number of forms – six in fact. Richard Sadler’s first “Musick House” opened in 1683. It was the second theatre to do so as part of The Restoration, after the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Since then it has been home to theatre, opera, cinema, ballet and comedy.

The modern day Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Clerkenwell is made up of two performance spaces: a main auditorium which holds 1,500 people, and the Lilian Baylis Studio. Current trends in dance and choreography across the UK and Europe, are now better suited to mid-size spaces. The new Sadler’s Wells East will feature a 500 seat auditorium, offering audiences the most innovative choreography.

The auditorium will feature a year-round programme of dance. The programme will include the diverse range of styles that Sadler’s Wells has become known for. It’s a place that’s open to, and welcomes, everyone. Christmas and Easter bring family performances to engage the littlest of dance fans. And there will be an extensive outreach programme for the communities and schools of Stratford and East London.

Sadler’s Wells Theatre Stratford will be bringing contemporary dance to London with six studios each with modern features designed to facilitate a range of dance practices. It will be home to a hip hop theatre academy as well as a new centre for choreographic practice.

Why not get a taste for what to expect and check out the current Sadler’s Wells programme?

Stratford is set to become London’s new cultural heart with the development of East Bank. We’re celebrating that fact on the new hoarding at International Quarter London's Endeavour Square – take a close look and you’ll spot whimsical figures dancing through the striking visuals.