Five Days in the Sun at Sadler’s Wells: A Dance Review
Why Sadler’s Wells Matters to Islington
If you live in north London, Sadler’s Wells is one of those buildings you pass so often that you can forget how significant it is. The theatre sits on Rosebery Avenue in Islington, a short walk from Angel tube station, and it has long been one of the country’s leading homes for dance. For residents, that means world-class work is on the doorstep rather than a train ride away. This early November, the stage hosts Five Days in the Sun on the 3rd and 4th, and it is a good reminder of why the venue anchors so much of the area’s cultural life.
An evening here works well as a full outing. Grab a bite around Angel before the curtain rises, catch the performance, then take a late stroll back through the quieter streets. Visitors planning a wider itinerary might slot in a London museum visit earlier in the day, turning a single show into a proper cultural weekend. For anyone searching for where to go in London, this combination of performance, food and walkable neighbourhoods is exactly what makes the capital’s arts scene so rewarding, and locals have known it for years. The theatre also supports a steady flow of trade for nearby cafés, bars and independent shops, so a night at the theatre quietly benefits the wider high street too.
The Artists and Partners Behind the Production
Five Days in the Sun is choreographed by Emanuel Gat and performed by his company, Emanuel Gat Dance. Led by a cast of twelve dancers, the piece has a distinct energy that comes from working as a true ensemble. For those dancers, a run at a venue of this stature is a major milestone, and the planned European tour that follows means the company’s work will reach audiences far beyond London. That kind of visibility matters for artists who depend on touring fees and repeat bookings to keep their practice going.
The score is Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, and the story behind it shapes the choreography. Mahler wrote the work after a serious health scare, and his later romance with Alma Schindler becomes part of the dance’s emotional arc. Gat draws on these experiences of mortality and love without turning them into a literal retelling. Costume designer Inez Wicher plays a central role too, with draped gowns in the early and closing sections contrasting sharply with the modern dress elsewhere. Photography by Julia Gat, used in the show’s promotional material, helps the production reach local audiences through print and online listings.
For the venue’s own staff, front-of-house teams and technicians, a sold-out run means longer shifts and busier bars, which is good news for a workforce that relies on live performance. For audiences, knowing who is behind a show adds meaning to every gesture on stage.
What Residents Should Know and Do Next
If you are considering a night out, the performances on 3 and 4 November are the chance to see the production in its original London setting before it heads out on tour. Booking early is the simplest way to secure a good seat, particularly for contemporary dance, where audience numbers can be strong once word of mouth spreads. Check the Sadler’s Wells website for current availability, concession options and any accessibility information before you go, as these details can change close to the date.
It also helps to know what kind of evening to expect. The review perspective is clear: this is a piece for people who already enjoy contemporary and interpretive work. Some sections have stronger narratives than others, so audiences unfamiliar with the form may find the middle acts more demanding. The second act, in particular, offers a more direct connection between dancers and movement. Going in with an open mind, and perhaps a quick listen to Mahler’s Fifth beforehand, can make the experience richer.
Watch for the announced European tour dates, which may bring the production to other cities and could signal future returns to London. Local readers who enjoy the show might also explore other programming at the venue this season. Whether you are a regular theatre-goer or someone looking for fresh ideas on where to go in London, this production is a strong reason to step into Islington’s dance scene this autumn.
Source: Review: FIVE DAYS IN THE SUN at Sadler’s Wells
Anyone planning to visit London for a night of contemporary dance should consider catching a performance at Sadler’s Wells, one of the city’s most celebrated venues.
Though the company’s rise from a modest London stage has been compared to the grandeur of a royal event at buckingham palace, this production stays firmly rooted in intimate, human movement.
