‘Ballet with attitude’ Continues at Sadler’s Wells
In 2026 Sadler’s Wells continues its year-round Ballet with attitude programme, showcasing the full range of the genre from beloved classics to bold contemporary works. The season features presentations from some of the best companies in the art form, both nationally and internationally.
April brings a highlight with Carlos Acosta’s revival of the 19th-century masterpiece Don Quixote, performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet with live accompaniment from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia (Thursday 23 – Saturday 25 April).
In May, Northern Ballet presents Gentleman Jack, which brings the remarkable story of Anne Lister – the inspiration behind a hit TV series – to the stage. Choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa with new live music by Peter Salem, the production runs from Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 May.
September sees the welcome return of San Francisco Ballet to London for the first time since 2019. The company will perform its new production Mere Mortals, featuring choreography by Aszure Barton alongside a live performance by acclaimed British electronic music producer and DJ Floating Points with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia (Wednesday 9 – Saturday 12 September).
October marks the third season for the resurgent London City Ballet at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. The company presents Firebird – A Double Bill (Thursday 22 – Saturday 24 October), including John Neumeier’s adaptation of his 2020 piece Ghost Light performed by guest artist Alina Cojocaru, and a revival of Glen Tetley’s gothic retelling of Firebird in celebration of the choreographer’s centenary year.
This year also offers three excellent family-friendly productions designed as perfect introductions to ballet for children. In April, English National Ballet returns to Sadler’s Wells East with My First Ballet: Cinderella, complete with a narrator (Wednesday 1 – Sunday 12 April). July brings London Children’s Ballet’s revival of their popular 2022 production Anne of Green Gables to the Peacock Theatre, featuring a young cast of dancers aged 9–16 (Friday 3 – Sunday 5 July).
For Christmas 2026, Sadler’s Wells and Birmingham Rep present a brand-new staging of the festive family favourite The Snowman™. Based on Raymond Briggs’ cherished book, the production is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Will Tuckett and features production design by Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated Anna Fleischle. It continues the legacy of a magical show that has played at the Peacock Theatre for 28 consecutive seasons and includes Howard Blake’s iconic score, featuring the beloved song ‘Walking in the Air’.
For bookings and more information about this year’s Ballet with attitude season, visit sadlerswells.com
Wei Wang in Aszure Barton and Sam Shepherd’s ‘Mere Mortals’ // © Chris Hardy