What to expect at Sadler’s Wells in 2026

Sadler’s Wells has unveiled an ambitious programme for 2026, reaffirming its position as a global home for dance in all its forms. The new season brings together world-class ballet, pioneering contemporary work, family productions and excellent collaborations with music and digital art. Artists from across Brazil, Cuba, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the United States will feature, offering audiences a truly international perspective.

Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company. Image Credit: Ghassan El Moussa

A major highlight is the return of San Francisco Ballet to London for the first time since 2019. Their September showcase at Sadler’s Wells Theatre features Mere Mortals, a new work choreographed by Aszure Barton and performed with a live score by acclaimed British electronic producer Floating Points. The same month also sees the long-awaited return of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, now led by Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack. Two contrasting programmes will showcase the company’s celebrated repertory, blending classic works with new creations, both anchored by the iconic Revelations.

Summer 2026 welcomes back the Flamenco Festival for a fortnight across Sadler’s Wells Theatre and Sadler’s Wells East. Performances from flamenco legends including Eva Yerbabuena, Manuel Liñán, Israel Galván and Rocío Molina sit alongside appearances from Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía, celebrating the depth and diversity of the form. Later in the year, festive audiences can look forward to Matthew Bourne’s much-loved Cinderella, returning for the Christmas season with its Olivier Award-winning designs and Prokofiev’s sweeping score.

Elsewhere, Sadler’s Wells East and the Lilian Baylis Studio host an exciting mix of new voices and returning favourites. Phoenix Dance Theatre, Theatre-Rites, London City Ballet and emerging companies such as Acosta Danza Yunior Company all present new or revitalised work, while choreographers including Marco da Silva Ferreira, Jefta van Dinther and Alice Ripoll push creative boundaries. Rounding out the year, Sadler’s Wells launches its first ever film festival, Dance Digital, celebrating dance on screen through global films, installations and artist talks. As Sir Alistair Spalding, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Sadler’s Wells, notes, 2026 is shaped by bold ideas, international collaboration and an open invitation to audiences to experience dance in all its brilliance.

Click here for more on what’s on at Sadler’s Wells this year.