Now here’s a reason to celebrate. Sadler’s Wells is 10 years old — at least the current building is — and while no one could call it a thing of beauty, within its walls has flourished one of the creative success stories of the past decade.
From "busted flush" as its former director Ian Albery put it, to creative powerhouse under Alistair Spalding, the north London theatre has invigorated the dance ecology and proved there is a sizeable audience for dance (some doubted this).
Unsurprisingly, Sadler’s Wells has put on a gala, and the one-off result was an impressive reminder of all it has achieved. This includes new work, full audiences and a big new stage meaning blue-chip companies such as Pina Bausch would visit (they’d shunned the old building).
Bausch’s dancers were easily its highlight. Close seconds included Carlos Acosta, Matthew Bourne, Wayne McGregor, Russell Maliphant and Sylvie Guillem.
Notable absences were William Forsythe and Akram Khan, whose success has much enhanced the Wells, and international big-wigs such as Cuban National Ballet.
10th Birthday Gala
Sadler's Wells
Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN
