Sadler's Wells

Purpose-built in 1998 on the site of the original seventeenth-century theatre of the same name, this dazzling complex is home to an impressive line-up of local and international dance talent. While remaining accessible in its programme, Sadler's Wells puts on strong, often critically acclaimed, shows that cover tango, flamenco (watch out for the annual Flamenco Festival), hip hop, classical and contemporary ballet as well as Matthew Bourne's special brand of populist dance. The Angel venue's name dates back to the 1680s when the theatre discovered a medicinal well whose water was said to have health-giving properties. You can still look down the well today, though the days of taking a quick dip before a show are long gone. In addition to the main theatre, the smaller Lilian Baylis Studio offers smaller-scale new works and works in progress, while the Peacock Theatre (on Portugal Street in Holborn) operates as a satellite venue.