Festive classics return this Christmas season to Sadler’s Wells Theatre, the Peacock Theatre and Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage, with something for everyone, including Birmingham Rep’s The Snowman, Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes and Ballo Arthur Pita’s The Little Match Girl. The first Christmas season at Sadler’s Wells East brings a brand-new take on A Christmas Carol, with a hip-hop reimagining of Ebony Scrooge, a ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company and Sadler’s Wells production.
Ebony Scrooge runs from Wednesday 26 November to Sunday 4 January 2026. This bold, family-friendly retelling of the Dickens classic blends hip-hop, comedy and physical theatre, brought to life by East London-born, Olivier Award-winning choreographer Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe. The story follows Ebony, a formidable fashion designer behind a renowned empire who has cancelled Christmas to focus on her landmark show. Surrounded by wealth, style and success, she is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, rediscovering her Caribbean roots and the true meaning of happiness. Tickets from £15 are on sale now at www.sadlerswells.com.
Birmingham Rep kicks off the festive season with its beloved family classic The Snowman. Now in its 28th year at Sadler’s Wells’ West End home, the Peacock Theatre, The Snowman runs from Saturday 22 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Tickets from £18 are on sale now at www.sadlerswells.com.
This magical stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved picture book and the film directed by Dianne Jackson continues to enchant audiences of all ages, transporting them to the wonderland of a boy and his snowman who comes to life. Featuring Howard Blake’s music and lyrics, including the iconic ‘Walking in the Air, ’performed by a live orchestra, the production has choreography by Robert North, direction by Bill Alexander, design by Ruari Murchison and lighting by Tim Mitchell. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the classic Aled Jones recording, making the performance a special celebration. Young performer Teddy Holton-Frances returns to share the lead role as The Boy, having been featured in last year’s BBC documentary The Snowman and Me alongside Phoenix Beharry. The documentary is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures presents The Red Shoes at Sadler’s Wells Theatre from Tuesday 2 December 2025 to Sunday 18 January 2026. This timeless fairytale and Academy Award-winning film has captivated audiences and inspired generations of dancers with its tale of obsession and possession. Victoria Page lives to dance, but her ambitions spark a fierce struggle between the two men who inspire her passion.
Matthew Bourne’s double Olivier Award-winning production of the legendary Powell and Pressburger film is set to a score orchestrated by Terry Davies, featuring Bernard Herrmann’s golden-age Hollywood music, with designs by Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Paule Constable (lighting) and Paul Groothuis (sound). Tickets from £15 are on sale now at www.sadlerswells.com.
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s poignant tale, Ballo Arthur Pita’s The Little Match Girl, originally created for the stage, has been adapted into a high-quality film for Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage. Teachers can register now for free access until 31 January 2026, enabling pupils to enjoy world-class dance from their classroom, supported by teacher resources on Padlet for Key Stage One and Two.
A snowy stage sets the scene for an icy Christmas Eve, where the little match girl paces the emptying streets, desperately trying to sell her matches. Along her journey she encounters kindness and cruelty in a moving fable about family, friendship and hope. With a powerful message at its heart, The Little Match Girl reminds us of the importance of kindness and considering those less fortunate. The classic tale comes to life with music, dance and some unusual instruments.
Find out more and sign up: The Little Match Girl – schools resource pack registration form – Sadler’s Wells
