Dates

• Existence: Established 1683

Biography

Sadler's Wells Theatre in Clerkenwell, London, was opened in 1683 by Richard Sadler as a music and water therapy venue. The Theatre presented plays, pageants, war enactments and aquatic performances until 1711, when it severely declined and acquired a bad reputation.

In 1875, the theatre was converted into a roller-skating rink and later a prize fight arena. The theatre was condemned as a dangerous structure in 1878 and closed. A year later after extensive rebuilding work, it reopened as a music hall.

In 1896, the theatre was converted into a cinema, but it became increasingly run-down and closed in 1915. In 1925 Sadler’s Wells was bought for the nation by a charitable foundation set up by the proprietor of the Old Vic theatre, Lilian Baylis, and underwent extensive renovations. Sadler’s Wells reopened in 1931 as an opera and ballet venue and school.

Sadler’s Wells went out of business in 1989, the building was demolished in 1996 and a new theatre was built on the site two years later.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records: