Sadler's Wells Theatre, Theatre company in Clerkenwell, London Borough of Islington, United Kingdom.
Sadler's Wells Theatre is a performance house in Clerkenwell with two venues: the main auditorium seating 1,560 and the Lilian Baylis Studio for smaller shows. The building sits on a quiet side street and offers an open foyer that leads into both spaces.
Richard Sadler founded a music house here in 1683 near natural springs, making it London's second public theatre after the Restoration. Over the centuries the ownership changed and the building was rebuilt several times, finally specializing in dance during the 20th century.
The building now serves as a home for contemporary dance, drawing companies from around the world who bring new works to the stage. The name recalls the natural springs that once drew visitors, long before the site became a performance space.
Access to both auditoriums is through the ground-floor foyer, where you also find cloakrooms and toilets. Wheelchair users have reserved seating in the stalls and can use the accessible lifts.
In the 19th century a large water tank was installed in the theatre to stage naval battles and other aquatic spectacles. During that time Londoners also called the venue the Water Theatre.
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