Sadiq Khan opens ‘game-changing’ new Stratford theatre to make London the ‘cultural capital of the world’

The new 550-seat theatre includes six dance studios and a space for free shows

A new ‘game-changing’ dance theatre has been opened in Stratford by Sadiq Khan, with the Mayor claiming he wishes to keep London as the ‘cultural capital of the world’. The new theatre, Sadler’s Wells East, joins Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as a part of over £600 million being invested by the Mayor into promoting the area’s culture.

The purpose-built performance space in East Bank includes a 550-seat auditorium, six dance studios and a public performance space for free shows. The Mayor told MyLondon that the theatre was a ‘game changer’ for dance productions in the capital.

He said: “What’s wonderful now is, rather than those who live in the East End having to go to Angel to see a great performance, local people can see a great performance here on the doorstep but also others will come to East Bank to see for themselves great arts and culture.”

The building will host the Rose Choreographic School and Academy Breakin’ Convention, a new school for 16 to 19 year olds dedicated to hip hop theatre. The Mayor has stated that the East Bank is creating an estimated £1.5 billion for the local economy.

He said: “This is another feather in London’s cultural cap, but I want London to carry on being the cultural capital of the world. That means we don’t stand still, we carry on building and evolving arts and culture in our great city.”

The area also hosts London College of Fashion, UAL, and University College London. Tamsin Ace, Director of East Bank, said the area represented a ‘powerhouse of innovation, creativity and learning’.

She said: “This is such an exciting moment for London, with Sadler’s Wells East marking the first cultural venue to open as part of East Bank. Sadler’s Wells East joins London College of Fashion, UAL and UCL East which opened their doors to students in Autumn 2023, with V&A East Storehouse & Museum and BBC Music Studios to follow.”

She added: “We can’t wait for the students, teachers and visitors already populating the Waterfront to be met by dance practitioners and audiences coming in to witness the 2025 programme.”

The opening show for the new theatre is ‘Our Mighty Groove’, a club-night-inspired mixture of house, waacking and vogue performances. The production was created by choreographer Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu.

Ms Igbokwe-Ozoagu said: “It’s an honour to have Our Mighty Groove opening Sadler’s Wells East and I’m so very proud to present this Uchenna classic with the phenomenal cast and creative team I’m collaborating with.”

She added: “I want to give a special shout out to our young cast, a group of talented performers and definitely ones to watch. We can’t wait to groove with you!”

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