The Cultural Pass You Need This Festive Season
Photography: Pamela Raith; Peter Molloy; Martin Argyroglo
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The Cultural Pass You Need This Festive Season

December always brings a rush of festive plans – but if you’re aged 16-30, there’s one cultural highlight in London you shouldn’t miss. For five years, the Barclays Dance Pass has been transforming nights out with £10 tickets to Sadler’s Wells' venues. This Thursday, it’s hosting an exclusive Dance Pass Takeover at Sadler’s Wells East, with ‘Ebony Scrooge’ on stage and a post‑show party to follow. Here’s everything you need to know…
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Photography: Pamela Raith; Peter Molloy; Martin Argyroglo

Created in partnership with Sadler’s Wells East

Pamela Raith

LONDON’S CULTURE FOR LESS

London’s cultural calendar is rich but ticket prices can often feel out of reach for younger audiences. That’s where the Barclays Dance Pass comes in. Launched five years ago, it was designed to break down barriers to the performing arts, offering 16 to 30-year-olds access to £10 tickets across Sadler’s Wells' venues.

From ballet to hip hop, contemporary to musical theatre, the scheme has introduced thousands of young people to the thrill of live performance. For many, it’s been their first taste of Sadler’s Wells – a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in dance.

THE FESTIVE SHOW & AFTER PARTY

This season, Sadler’s Wells East hosts Ebony Scrooge – a bold reimagining of Dickens’s classic tale and a co-production from ZooNation and Sadler's Wells. The story follows Ebony, a formidable fashion mogul (and everyone’s nightmare boss) who cancels Christmas in favour of her landmark show. Surrounded by wealth and success but disconnected from her roots, she’s visited by three mystical guides who take her on a transformative journey. With choreography that combines contemporary dance and theatrical storytelling, it’s a production suitable for all ages.

For Barclays Dance Pass members, this performance is part of a special Dance Pass Takeover. Exclusively for under‑30s, tickets are just £10 and include a drink on arrival, festive nibbles and access to a post‑show party until 11pm – the perfect way to extend the evening. 
Johan Persson

WHAT IS THE BARCLAYS DANCE PASS?

Now in its fifth year, the Barclays Dance Pass has opened doors for a generation of young people discovering the transformative power of dance through thousands of discounted tickets across countless performances. And it isn’t just about affordability – it’s about access. By removing financial barriers, Sadler’s Wells has created a space where younger audiences can explore the breadth of dance without hesitation.

  • Choice: From international companies to homegrown talent, the programme spans genres and styles.
  • Flexibility: Tickets are available across Sadler’s Wells' venues, including the new Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford.
  • Community: The scheme has cultivated a generation of dance-goers who see the arts as part of their everyday lives.
Pamela Raith; Andy Ross; Johnan Persson

THE NEW SADLER’S WELLS EAST

The opening of Sadler’s Wells East earlier this year marked a new era for the institution. And for east London, it was a big moment. The venue brings world‑class dance to a part of the city long celebrated for its energy and diversity. Now, audiences don’t need to travel across town to experience international companies, groundbreaking choreographers and ambitious new productions – they can find them right on their doorstep. The venue itself has been conceived as more than just a stage. It’s a space for workshops, residencies and community engagement, ensuring that the next generation of dancers and audiences are nurtured alongside established names. 

HOW TO SIGN UP

Signing up for the Barclays Dance Pass couldn’t be simpler. If you’re aged 16-30, you can register online in minutes. Once you’re in, you’ll unlock £10 tickets to performances across Sadler’s Wells venues – no strings attached.

  • Step 1: Visit Barclays Dance Pass
  • Step 2: Register with your details.
  • Step 3: Book your tickets – including Ebony Scrooge this Thursday.

Now is the perfect time to join. Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for a spontaneous night out, the Dance Pass ensures you’ll never miss out on London’s most exciting performances.

Sign up for your own Barclays Dance Pass at SADLERSWELLS.COM 

Ebony Scrooge by ZooNation is on stage at Sadler’s Wells East today until Sunday 4th January. 

Follow along on Instagram at @SADLERSWELLS_EAST & @BARCLAYSUK

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