ABOUT THE THEATRE
Sadler’s Wells started life as a mineral spring, discovered in 1683 by Richard Sadler in the grounds of his music house. Audiences came for the ‘miraculous healing properties’ of the well (hence the name) but stayed for the entertainment.
The well dried up but the performances didn’t. Shakespeare, vaudeville and opera drew crowds for hundreds of years. And in 1925, when Lilian Baylis took charge, dance became a more regular feature. Baylis held the belief that ‘great art should belong to everybody’ – a sentiment that still guides their approach today.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
By Tube
Angel (Northern Line City Branch) is 250 metres from Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Trains run every few minutes northbound to Kings Cross and Euston, and southbound to Bank and London Bridge. There is no step-free access at Angel.
By Bus
Numbers 19, 38 and 341 stop at the Sadler’s Wells bus stop.
