MOST of my theatre viewing is limited to the West End and scoring cheap tickets to theatre deals is one of my favourite London hobbies. However there comes a time when you need to branch out so it was time to check out Sadler’s Wells.
Sadler’s Wells is mostly focused on dance and features all different types of shows from flamenco to classical ballet to contemporary. A short walk from Angel Tube Station, the theatre isn’t too far away from many restaurants, bars and pubs where you can find a pre-theatre meal — sans tourists unlike Covent Garden. My favourite is The Breakfast Club, which is a cute little kitschy place that provides a broad menu in a fantastic setting.
When I went, I saw a contemporary show by the Rambert Dance Company (which happens to be coming back to Sadler’s Wells in the very near future). As most of my dancing experience either happened when I was seven and with a tutu or nowadays on a dance floor in a pub — I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. All I can tell you is that if you are expecting jazz hands, this wasn’t the kind of place you would find them.
The show was really well done (even in my rookie experience). While it took me a little while to realise there wasn’t a story I had to follow or to ‘understand’, I just sat back and watched the dancers move. Of the three dances that were performed I much preferred those with a larger group as there was much more to see on the stage. Saying that there is something about two dancers moving in unison that is mesmerising and with the costumes, it’s not hard to see that these dancers are complete athletes. It amazes me that people with so many bulging muscles can move so gracefully.
The theatre is much newer than many I had been in before which provides for a much more comfortable experience. There is just a little bit more room between the back of the chair in front of you and our knees. One of my favourite things about the theatre is that there were television screens showing the dancers out in the lobby and bars. For those people who were unlucky enough to miss the beginning and weren’t allowed in until a change, you are still able to see the show. Thankfully, though, that wasn’t me but as a habitually late person it’s always good to know!
If you are a dance enthusiast or after something slightly different from the norm — Sadler’s Wells is the place to go and with many of the tickets at a reasonable price it is a cheap night out. However for now, I think I’ll just stick to shows that have jazz hands. What can I say… I’m a sucker for a storyline.
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