Tuesday 10 November 2026
Sadler’s Wells has three Christmas productions running across London this December, plus free festive fun on The Dance Floor at Sadler’s Wells East. Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella returns to Sadler’s Wells Theatre for its 30th anniversary, Birmingham Rep’s brand-new The Snowman lands at the Peacock Theatre, and ZooNation’s Ebony Scrooge is back in Stratford. There is also a stack of free dance films to stream at home on the Digital Stage. Here are five reasons to make dance part of your Christmas.
1. Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella turns 30
New Adventures brings back Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella to Sadler’s Wells Theatre from Tuesday 1 December 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027, as part of an extensive 2026–2027 UK tour celebrating its 30th anniversary. Set in London in 1940 during the Blackout, it is described as “a thrilling and evocative love story, set in London during the Second World War”, in which Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot fall in love before being parted by the Blitz. It is danced to Prokofiev’s score, with Olivier Award-winning designs by Lez Brotherston and lighting by Neil Austin. It runs 2 hours 20 minutes and is recommended for ages 8+.
2. A brand-new Snowman in the West End
Birmingham Rep’s brand-new production of the beloved Christmas classic The Snowman is at the Peacock Theatre, Sadler’s Wells’ home in the West End, from Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. Sadler’s Wells calls it the world premiere of this new version. It is based on the book by Raymond Briggs, with music and libretto by Howard Blake, and is directed and choreographed by Will Tuckett, with production design by Anna Fleischle and puppets by Tahra Zafar. The show runs 1 hour 40 minutes including an interval and is suitable for all ages, though children aged two and above need a ticket.
3. Ebony Scrooge, with its creator in the title role
ZooNation’s Ebony Scrooge returns to Sadler’s Wells East from Tuesday 24 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, and this time the show’s creator, Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe, takes on the title role herself. Billed as “Charles Dickens’ classic gets a hip hop makeover in this Christmas hit for all ages”, it follows Ebony, a fashion-empire boss who has cancelled Christmas, as three mystical visitors take her on a journey of self-discovery. Original music is by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante. It runs 1 hour 55 minutes including an interval, is recommended for ages 7+, and family tickets are available on every performance.
4. Free festive boogies on The Dance Floor
The Dance Floor at Sadler’s Wells East hosts two free festive events in December. On Wednesday 16 December, from 6.45pm to 7.15pm, curtain raiser The Big Festive Boogie: Inspired by Ebony Scrooge features community performers from Isaac “Vitamin” Baptiste’s Funky Social Dance classes, presenting a performance inspired by the music, joy and community of the show. Then on Wednesday 23 December, also 6.45pm to 7.15pm, Winter Adventures on The Dance Floor is an uplifting celebration of music, movement and togetherness led by Baptiste, inspired by the Music is Black exhibition at the V&A. After the performance, audiences can join a family-friendly workshop.
5. Free dance films to stream at home
Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage has plenty to watch for free. New is Choreographer Conversations with Tiler Peck, in which the New York City Ballet principal dancer talks to Sir Alistair Spalding about her evolution as a dancer and choreographer. Backstage Pass with Alvin Ailey follows leading dancer Constance Stamatiou from rehearsals to curtain call during the company’s September performances at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Dance Digital Presents offers DuEls, choreographed by Damien Jalet and Erna Ómarsdóttir and set among Vigeland’s sculptures, and the experimental short SOMA. A recording of Ebony Scrooge is also free for schools and home educators until 31 January 2027.
Tickets and info
Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella: Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN, Tuesday 1 December 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027, prices from £15 (plus £4 transaction fee)
The Snowman: Peacock Theatre, West End, Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, prices from £18 (plus £4 transaction fee)
Ebony Scrooge: Sadler’s Wells East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, Tuesday 24 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, prices from £15 (plus £4 transaction fee)
The Big Festive Boogie: Wednesday 16 December, 6.45–7.15pm, The Dance Floor, Sadler’s Wells East, free
Winter Adventures on The Dance Floor: Wednesday 23 December, 6.45–7.15pm, The Dance Floor, Sadler’s Wells East, free
Ticket Office: tickets@sadlerswells.com / 020 7863 8000