Sadler’s Wells Theatre
Quick Summary
Sadler's Wells Theatre is a historic venue in London, England, with a rich legacy in opera and ballet. It was established in 1931 by Lilian Baylis, who also managed the Old Vic Theatre. Baylis transformed Sadler's Wells into a center for opera and ballet, laying the groundwork for significant artistic developments.1
In 1946, the Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet was founded, and in 1956, the Sadler's Wells Ballet was granted a royal charter and renamed the Royal Ballet. The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, which also houses Britain's oldest national opera and ballet companies, has a history intertwined with Sadler's Wells, as the Sadler's Wells Ballet moved to the Royal Opera House in 1946.234
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- Lilian Mary Baylis
…she took over the derelict Sadler’s Wells Theatre and made it a centre of opera and ballet. Baylis was created a Companion of Honour in 1929.
Read More…she took over the derelict Sadler’s Wells Theatre and made it a centre of opera and ballet. Baylis was created a Companion of Honour in 1929.
Read More 
Samuel Phelps…he became co-lessee of the Sadler’s Wells Theatre with Thomas L. Greenwood and Mary Amelia Warner. Greenwood supplied the business capacity, Phelps was the theatrical manager, and Mrs. Warner (as she was known) was the leading lady. In this position Phelps remained for 20 years, raising the Sadler’s Wells house…
Read More…he became co-lessee of the Sadler’s Wells Theatre with Thomas L. Greenwood and Mary Amelia Warner. Greenwood supplied the business capacity, Phelps was the theatrical manager, and Mrs. Warner (as she was known) was the leading lady. In this position Phelps remained for 20 years, raising the Sadler’s Wells house…
Read More