Kabuki theatre to return to London for the first time in over a decade

Kabuki theatre will return to London for the first time in 17 years, with three classical works playing at Sadler’s Wells Theatre early next year.

Dating from early 17th century Japan, kabuki combines music, dance and acting and is traditionally performed by all-male companies. The art form was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.

Presented by Shochiku and Askonas Holt, Kabuki will mark the international stage debuts of Ichikawa Somegorō VIII and Onoe Tatsunosuke III. The pair come from established kabuki families and made their first stage appearances at the ages of two and three respectively.

The programme comprises three dance pieces: Fuji Musume (The Wisteria Maiden), performed by Tatsunosuke III; Yuki no Shakkyō (The Snowbound Stone Bridge: A Lion Dance), performed by Somegorō VIII, and Meoto Dōjōji (A Man and Woman at Dōjōji Temple), featuring both performers.

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.”

Kabuki plays at Sadler’s Wells Theatre at 7.30pm on 30 January and 2pm on 31 January 2027. Tickets are on sale now.