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KABUKI will return to London for the first time in 17 years when Shochiku and Askonas Holt present a special double-date engagement at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on 30 and 31 January 2027.
The production marks the return of one of Japan’s most celebrated theatrical traditions to the capital, featuring a triple bill of classic kabuki dance pieces and introducing two of the art form’s most exciting young performers to international audiences.
Presented by leading Japanese entertainment company Shochiku and arts agency Askonas Holt, the performances will feature the international stage debuts of Ichikawa Somegorō VIII and Onoe Tatsunosuke III, both heirs to distinguished kabuki family lineages.
Dating back to the early 17th century, kabuki combines music, dance and acting, and was recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.
The programme will comprise three celebrated works: Fuji Musume (The Wisteria Maiden), performed by Onoe Tatsunosuke III; Yuki no Shakkyō (The Snowbound Stone Bridge – A Lion Dance), performed by Ichikawa Somegorō VIII; and Meoto Dōjōji (A Man and Woman at Dōjōji Temple), performed by both artists.
The production arrives amid growing international interest in kabuki and represents the 11th kabuki presentation in London and the eighth to be staged at Sadler’s Wells.
Ichikawa Somegorō VIII said: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to convey the power of kabuki to people overseas together with Tatsunosuke, a fellow actor of my generation. Kabuki was born over 400 years ago, and has continued to the present day, absorbing the culture, sensibilities, and values of the people of each era. I believe it is like a mirror that reflects what Japanese people have accumulated over a long period of time. It is very important for people overseas to experience this unique beauty of Japan. At the same time, I also want Japanese people to know more about kabuki. I would be happy if we could not only share kabuki internationally, but also bring something of what we gain from that experience back to Japan.”
Onoe Tatsunosuke III said: “Kabuki is gaining popularity both domestically and internationally due to numerous new kabuki productions and online streaming, but I think there are still many theatregoers who have not yet actually seen it in person. The appeal of the art of kabuki lies in the atmosphere and excitement that can only be experienced live, so we are deeply grateful to have an opportunity to bring this experience overseas. We want to ensure that this growing interest is not simply a passing boom, but something that can be carried forward to the next generation. I look forward to audiences at Sadler’s Wells Theatre experiencing this art that has been passed down from generation to generation.”
Shochiku said: “It is our great pleasure to return to London with a kabuki performance after over a decade. It is a privilege to present Japan’s traditional dance heritage at a world-renowned dance venue, with a program showcasing three celebrated classic kabuki dance pieces. Furthermore, this historic production marks the international debut of Somegorō and Tatsunosuke, two of kabuki’s most highly anticipated rising stars. We eagerly await sharing the vibrant energy of these performances with audiences.”
Donagh Collins, CEO of Askonas Holt, said: “Having presented kabuki a number of times in the UK over the past 35 years, we are delighted to be working with Shochiku to bring this wonderful artform back to Sadler’s Wells and London after a hiatus of 17 years. Past London audiences have responded warmly to the history, beauty and grandeur of kabuki, and this latest visit is particularly appealing since it features two of the finest young actors of today, Ichikawa Somegorō and Onoe Tatsunosuke.”
KABUKI is presented at Sadler’s Wells by Shochiku Co., Ltd and Askonas Holt and produced by Shochiku Co., Ltd. The production is supported by Japan Creator Support Fund and The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, with Japan Airlines serving as official airline partner.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
