Sadler’s Wells: Where EBONY SCROOGE Meets THE RED SHOES

It might feel like we’ve only just settled into the new theatrical season, but Sadler’s Wells is already making waves with its exhilarating programme for 2025. Whether you’re a hip hop aficionado or a fan of timeless classics like THE RED SHOES, there’s something here to tempt anyone with a soft spot for live dance. From a Caribbean-infused Christmas Carol to a scorching new surrealist piece that reimagines domestic life, this year’s line-up promises to be a whirlwind of creativity. So, fasten your seat belts (or rather, tie your ballet slippers tightly) and let’s plunge into the highlights of this much-anticipated season.

Sadler’s Wells East Welcomes EBONY SCROOGE

Opening the festivities is Dannielle “Rhimes” LeCointe’s EBONY SCROOGE, a hip hop dance theatre reimagining of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol produced by ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company. Hailed as the first Christmas show to grace the brand-new Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford, EBONY SCROOGE updates Dickens’ classic by shining the spotlight on a fashion designer who’s lost touch with her Caribbean roots. Over the course of a single Christmas Eve, she’s visited by ghosts from her past, present, and future, in what promises to be a thrillingly contemporary spin on seasonal redemption.

The show also marks a creative milestone for Sadler’s Wells East: it will be crafted, rehearsed, and staged in-house, which underscores the new venue’s role as a hub of innovation and artistic synergy. Original music by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante sets the pulse, ensuring an energetic fusion of hip hop beats and Christmas nostalgia. According to the company, the result will be nothing short of spectacular—a performance that merges the warmth of a beloved tale with the modern rhythms of London’s streets.

Whether you’re a Dickens purist or someone who thrives on experimental theatre, EBONY SCROOGE is set to be an unmissable holiday highlight. Plus, if you’re hoping to spot the next big name in hip hop choreography, you’ll want a front-row seat for this.

THE RED SHOES And THE SNOWMAN Return

For those craving more classical fare, the news that Matthew Bourne’s THE RED SHOES is dancing its way back to Sadler’s Wells Theatre comes as a seasonal gift. The production, lauded for its cinematic flair and stirring storyline, has enchanted audiences on previous runs. Now, returning for a December engagement, Bourne’s adaptation is likely to sell out quickly—particularly as word spreads of minor tweaks and refinements introduced for 2025.

Meanwhile, the ever-popular THE SNOWMAN will once again bring its frosty magic to the Peacock Theatre, courtesy of Birmingham Rep. This production has become something of a festive tradition for countless families—much like mince pies and mulled wine—so its steadfast presence should reassure theatregoers that some Christmas traditions never wane. If you have little ones in tow (or indeed, if you simply love a dose of nostalgia), THE SNOWMAN remains a surefire bet.

Hip Hop Takes Centre Stage At Breakin’ Convention

Springtime at Sadler’s Wells can only mean one thing: the return of the Breakin’ Convention Festival. Spearheaded by DJ Fee Mak of BBC 1Xtra fame, this year’s lineup looks bigger and bolder, with acts from across the globe converging to celebrate the diversity of hip hop dance theatre. The programme includes a family weekend at Sadler’s Wells East—offering free performances and interactive sessions for all ages—and an opening night extravaganza at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Islington, promising a riot of b-boy battles, cutting-edge choreography, and communal good vibes.

Those in the know are especially buzzing about S.T.U.C.K, created by Mounia Nassangar, and a brand-new offering from The Ruggeds, celebrating the group’s 20th anniversary. With the festival’s track record of mixing local talent with international stars, it’s a prime opportunity for dance enthusiasts to discover something fresh. And while Breakin’ Convention has always embraced the street dance community, its continuing growth into a must-see event for all lovers of performance art speaks volumes about the shifting landscape of contemporary theatre.

Flamenco Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary

From hip hop to flamenco, Sadler’s Wells 2025 truly has it all. Marking two decades of celebrating this passionate art form, the Flamenco Festival is set to light up both the Islington and Stratford venues. Expect UK premieres from some of Spain’s most electrifying talents: Sara Baras, Manuel Liñán, and the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía are poised to deliver an unforgettable tour de force.

In previous festivals, sold-out crowds have included international tourists, local dance students, and curious first-timers all united by the hypnotic draw of flamenco’s staccato rhythms. This year’s double-venue approach should expand the festival’s reach even further. If you’ve never felt the stir of a resounding flamenco guitar chord resonate through your core, you might be in for a life-changing experience. The artistry and raw emotion on display often defy description—your best bet is to see it for yourself.

Touring Success For Kontakthof

Not content to rest on its laurels, Sadler’s Wells has also revealed that the production KONTAKTHOF – ECHOES OF ‘78, a co-creation with the Pina Bausch Foundation and Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, has been selected for Berlin’s prestigious Theatertreffen in May 2025. If that news alone isn’t enough to mark it as a must-see, the production will then tour Austria and the Netherlands in the autumn, finally returning to Sadler’s Wells Theatre in spring 2026.

Named as one of the year’s “unmissable dance events” by European critics, KONTAKTHOF – ECHOES OF ‘78 carries the indelible stamp of Pina Bausch’s revolutionary dance theatre style. Modern audiences remain fascinated by the late choreographer’s ability to convey vulnerability, angst, and humour with raw immediacy. For fans of avant-garde dance, or those simply keen to broaden their horizons, this is definitely one to keep on your radar.

The London City Ballet’s MOMENTUM

On a different note, The London City Ballet is making a triumphant return, bringing a new repertoire titled MOMENTUM. This ambitious programme includes works by George Balanchine and Alexei Ratmansky, performed against a backdrop inspired by Wassily Kandinsky’s abstract art. The fusion of classical and modern choreographic voices promises a uniquely visual treat. Past runs from The London City Ballet have garnered rave reviews for their precision and flair, and pairing the kinetic lines of ballet with Kandinsky’s bold forms is a daring statement in artistic synergy.

Jasmin Vardimon’s ALiCE And More

If you were charmed by Jasmin Vardimon’s reimagined ALiCE in Wonderland, you’re in luck: it’s making a return as part of the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Known for her inventive fusion of physical theatre, dynamic visuals, and a dash of comedic verve, Vardimon has built a loyal following both in the UK and internationally. ALiCE famously twists Lewis Carroll’s whimsical tale into a performance that is at once delightfully absurd and deeply relatable—a perfect match for audiences who love theatre that surprises at every turn.

Meanwhile, for younger spectators (or the young at heart), Second Hand Dance introduces THE STICKY DANCE in Studio 1 at Sadler’s Wells East. Armed with nothing more than reels of tape and an imagination that knows no bounds, children and carers can look forward to an immersive, interactive experience that emphasises movement, exploration, and a bit of hands-on craft. If you’re seeking an afternoon of family-friendly fun, it’s a fantastic option to get little ones engaged in the thrill of live performance.

A Surrealist Take On Home

Rounding out the announcements is THE HEAT, an intriguing piece by Becky Naumgauds that descends upon the Lilian Baylis Studio. Billed as a surreal dance theatre work, THE HEAT morphs domestic spaces into a dreamscape brimming with tension and pulsating energy. Past audiences have noted Naumgauds’ fearless approach to choreography, where the simplest everyday objects can take on epic proportions or evoke primal emotions. Expect the lines between performer and viewer to blur as the piece unravels. For theatregoers eager to try something completely out of their comfort zone, this might be the unexpected gem of Sadler’s Wells 2025.

A Tapestry Of Diversity And Innovation

One of the reasons Sadler’s Wells remains at the heart of London’s performing arts scene is its commitment to diverse styles, forms, and communities. Across 2025, audiences can expect everything from the graceful precision of ballet to the infectious energy of street dance and the bold passion of flamenco. The “something for everyone” ethos is backed by data: year on year, Sadler’s Wells has seen audiences grow more adventurous, and box-office figures indicate that cross-genre programming encourages new audiences to discover fresh facets of dance theatre.

The fact that so many of these productions share a willingness to innovate, to take creative risks, and to push the boundaries of what dance theatre can be, is precisely what makes this venue a lodestar for both established fans and first-time visitors. Whether it’s a beloved holiday classic like THE SNOWMAN or a radical reinterpretation of A Christmas Carol with hip hop beats, Sadler’s Wells emphasises that tradition and experimentation needn’t be at odds.

The Last Leap: Where To Go From Here

As you pore over this line-up, you might find yourself plotting how to cram in as many shows as possible. That’s part of the magic of Sadler’s Wells: variety is always in abundance, and each performance offers its own distinct charm. Perhaps you’ll be drawn to the heartfelt nostalgia of THE RED SHOES, or maybe it’s the futuristic, tape-wielding curiosity of THE STICKY DANCE that catches your eye. Then again, if you’re craving a good dose of holiday cheer with a hip hop twist, EBONY SCROOGE might just become your new favourite annual tradition.

Whatever your theatrical appetite, 2025 at Sadler’s Wells promises an invigorating blend of the familiar and the avant-garde. After all, the essence of live performance lies in its ability to move us—sometimes literally—and to remind us of our shared humanity in a world that seems ever more complex. So, if you’re on the fence about booking tickets, take a leap of faith. You never know when a dance, a piece of music, or a reinterpretation of a Dickensian classic might spark your imagination, sending you out into the night with a fresh spring in your step.

Dance Into Tomorrow And Beyond