Having a magnificent historical backdrop and being a melting pot of cultures, London is one of the best known art hubs in Europe that you simply shouldn’t miss. Apart from spellbinding West End theatre performances and a thriving market for music, art enthusiasts from around the world are also drawn to illustrious ballets in London that charm tourists and locals alike. With various renditions performed almost every now and then, London is the place to be if you’re someone who enjoys an evening of rhythm and music over anything else. We’ll be listing popular ballets in London that definitely need to be on your upcoming London itinerary.
Must-See Ballets in London
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Rip It Up
Feb 7 - June 2
From £30
If you’re looking for an evening of dance, music, and acrobatics packed with some amazing visuals, Rip It Up should be on your list. Join the ‘Strictly’ boy band of dance — Aston Merrygold (JLS), Jay McGuiness (The Wanted), Harry Judd (McFly), and Louis Smith (Olympian) — waltz you through some gobsmacking gymnastics that will leave you tapping your foot until the end of the show.
Considered to be one of the liveliest shows to have ever hit the West End stage, Rip It Up commemorates sights and sounds from your favourite musicians performed over the past decade. Groove to the tunes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, The Doors and Athena Franklin amongst several others.
Duration: TBC
Garrick Theatre
Seating Plan›
2
Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet
Aug 7 - 31
From £18
Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet sweeps you into a unique, contemporary retelling of the classic tale of the two lovers. Separated by society, the two young lovers are forced to risk everything for a life they’ve imagined together. Join the New Adventures company as they reimagine the love story that moulded the definition of romance for years.
Matthew Bourne’s unique storytelling and choreography along with Paul Groothuis’ sound and orchestration, the ballet features several talented dancers lighting up the stage with their graceful movements. The ballet that promotes youthful energy and talent puts together a show with a whopping 97 backing dancers that have participated to bring in a fresh wave of love, tragedy, and conflict unlike any other.
Duration: TBC
Sadler's Wells
Getting There›
3
Yamato: Passion
Mar 12 - 31
From £18
Join a Japanese drumming troupe as they create magic with their Odaiko drums for this brand new musical at Peacock Theatre. These traditional drums that are used in Shinto rituals weigh more than half a tonne each and require exceptional strength along with skills to produce every rumbling beat.
Music enthusiasts can sway to every thundering beat as these talented drummers put together a show that tests them both physically and mentally. Witness a live spectacle that combines mind-blowing music with zestful rhythm and embark on a visual journey with the ensemble. The electric energy will be more than contagious this season!
Duration: 2 hours, including 1 interval
Peacock Theatre
Seating Plan›
4
Cirque Éloize: Hotel
Mar 12 - 31
From £18
A stellar evening of dance and entertainment that will sweep you off your feet, Cirque Éloize: Hotel takes you behind the closed doors of a grand hotel. Featuring the Canadian contemporary circus crew, the performance will take you through the lives as well as intimate stories of the tourists and travellers through astounding acrobatics.
Hold on to your seats as the 12-member crew performs daring stunts, dazzling tricks and intense physical feats to show off their signature blend of circus and drama. Inspired by the elegance of one of the greatest hotels, Cirque Éloize: Hotel invites you to an evening of intimate refuge paired with avant-garde scenography that ensures a smiling face as you head back home.
Duration: 1 hour, 20 minutes with no interval
Peacock Theatre
Seating Plan›
5
Sergei Polunin
May 29 - Jun 1
From £25.8
Popularly referred to as the James Dean of Ballet, Sergei Polunin’s history with ballet was fondly remembered after him quitting on the art in 2012. However, in 2015 Sergei made a triumphant return to ballet with Hozier’s ‘Take Me to Church’ which went viral. This time around, the Ukrainian artists is preparing to bring an all new mixed bill to the London West End stage.
With a promise to bring in a brand new international cast and a skilled creative team (which includes Sergei himself), the upcoming show is already sought after by many a ballet-lover from around the world. So, don’t miss out on grabbing a seat for the most awaited ballet performance of the year!
Duration: TBC
London Palladium
Getting There›
6
Beats On Pointe: Masters of Choreography
May 21 - Jun 16
From £21.6
An exciting fusion of ballet with street dance, Beats On Pointe is back after its successful run last year. Watch a thrilling dance-off between two opposing worlds of dance, as 16 dancers come face-to-face in a fun-filled, musical evening of ballet along with street dance.
The energetic performance not only introduces viewers to the nuances of ballet and street style, but also brings in singing, beatboxing, freestyle acts along with a hint of comedy. Dance along with these talented artists until they finally find a common ground! Get grooving to an evening of feel-good classical music from the early 70s, that is sure to enliven your spirits.
Duration: 2 hours, including 1 interval
Peacock Theatre
Seating Plan›
7
INALA
Apr 30 - May 18
From £21.6
After a Grammy nomination in 2016 and two sellouts in the past at Sadler’s Wells, the smash hit crew of INALA is back to knock the audience off their seats with their sensational music and dance. An enthralling confluence of South African and Western culture, INALA (translating to ‘abundance of goodwill’ in Zulu) puts together a celebration with a performance in ballet that signifies 20 years of democracy in South Africa.
The ambitious production performed by a crew of 26 exceptional dancers, singers, and musicians will be making its West End debut at the Peacock Centre. Described by the The Independent as ‘Stunning, contemporary South African music’, this is one performance that will leave you happy high post-show!
Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes, including 1 interval
Peacock Theatre
Seating Plan›
Popular Venues for Ballets in London
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Peacock Theatre
Located in the heart of the City of Westminster, Peacock Theatre is a 999-seat house that is an integral part of the renowned London School of Economics and Political Science. Founded in the 17th century, it has been a part of several performances before it was destroyed in a fire in 1809. Apart from hosting musicals, dance performances and other shows, Peacock Theatre also plays host to various other activities such as lectures, public talks, conferences and political speeches.
2
Garrick Theatre
Named after the actor David Garrick, the Garrick Theatre opened its doors to the public in 1889. ‘The Profilgate’ by Arthur Wing Pinero was the first ever play to be staged at the Garrick Theatre. Later it began associating itself with comedy and screened lighter productions including ‘No Sex Please, We’re British’ amongst others. The auditorium has three levels — stalls, dress circle and grand circle. Today, the theatre hosts a variety of productions and seats about 732 people in all.
3
Royal Opera House
Considered Britain’s oldest national opera as well as ballet company, the Royal Opera House is a tourist attraction apart from simply being a venue for ballets in West End. Opened in 1732, the theatre first hosted an array of plays, pantomimes and operas. After being burnt down in 1808, Royal Opera House was rebuilt in 1809 and later continued to serve the Royal Ballet till today. The iconic venue has always been recognised as a place with historic value and is deeply lauded for its elegant and cutting-edge architecture that is a favourite of many around the world.
4
Sadler's Wells
London’s second oldest theatre, Sadler’s Wells is a creative organisation that is dedicated to dance and art. The theatre boasts of three centuries of theatrical heritage that hosts many well known productions throughout the year. Located in Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell in the London Borough of Islington, Sadler’s Wells has a capacity of seating a whopping 1,568 people today. Standing since 1683, the venue boasts of two performing spaces — the auditorium and the Lilian Baylis Studio. Equipped with rehearsal rooms and top-notch facilities, Sadler’s Wells is duly considered as United Kingdom’s foremost dance venue.
5
London Palladium
Home to a massive 2,200 seating auditorium, the London Palladium is considered to be a grand stage for musicals as well as several business conferences. Over the years, the auditorium has hosted an array of well known productions — including the smash-hit musical ‘Cats’. After it first opened in 1910, the London Palladium has always been the most sought-after venue for West End performances and ballets. Although refurbished, its stunning period architecture still remains a favourite amongst many a tourist visiting London.
More West End Guides
For more West End information, here are links to some really informative posts!
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