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The original Sadler's Wells Theatre building opened in the early 18th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The original Sadler's Wells Theatre building opened in the late 17th century, specifically in the 1680s.
Due to licensing restrictions in its early years, Sadler's Wells exclusively hosted performances of straight drama.
Answer: False
Explanation: Due to licensing restrictions that prevented straight drama, Sadler's Wells hosted a variety of other entertainments, including pantomime and shows with performing animals.
Sadler's Wells Theatre originated from a 19th-century music hall.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sadler's Wells Theatre originated from a 17th-century pleasure garden and spa, not a 19th-century music hall.
The water discovered on Sadler's land was known for its intoxicating properties.
Answer: False
Explanation: The water discovered on Sadler's land was from a mineral spring and was praised for its health-giving properties, leading to the site's initial popularity.
Francis Forcer, a violinist, served as Sadler's business partner and composer in the early days.
Answer: True
Explanation: Francis Forcer, a violinist, was indeed Sadler's business partner and composer in the early days of the Musick-House.
The popularity of Sadler's spa water increased steadily until the early 18th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The popularity of Sadler's spa water began to decline by 1691, leading to a shift in focus towards the entertainments offered at the Musick-House.
Under Forcer and Miles, entertainments at Sadler's Wells included performances by trained horses and acrobats.
Answer: False
Explanation: Under Forcer and Miles, entertainments included ballad singers, jugglers, wrestlers, and dancing dogs, but not typically trained horses or acrobats as a primary feature.
Sadler's Wells Theatre first opened its doors as a theatre building in which decade?
Answer: 1680s
Explanation: Sadler's Wells Theatre first opened its doors as a theatre building in the 1680s, evolving from a pleasure garden.
Which of the following was a common type of performance at Sadler's Wells in its early years due to licensing restrictions?
Answer: Pantomime and shows with performing animals
Explanation: Due to licensing restrictions that prevented straight drama, common performances at Sadler's Wells in its early years included pantomime and shows featuring performing animals.
What was the origin of Sadler's Wells Theatre?
Answer: A 17th-century pleasure garden
Explanation: Sadler's Wells Theatre originated as a 17th-century pleasure garden, established around a mineral spring.
What was the nature of the water discovered on Sadler's land that contributed to its early popularity?
Answer: Water from a mineral spring praised for its health-giving properties.
Explanation: The water discovered on Sadler's land was from a mineral spring, praised for its health-giving properties, which contributed significantly to the site's early popularity.
Who was Sadler's business partner in the early days of the 'Musick-House', serving as dancing-master and composer?
Answer: Francis Forcer
Explanation: Francis Forcer, a violinist, served as Sadler's business partner in the early days of the 'Musick-House,' fulfilling roles as dancing-master and composer.
Sadler's Wells Theatre is located on Oxford Street in London.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sadler's Wells Theatre is situated on Rosebery Avenue in Islington, London, not on Oxford Street.
Sadler's Wells Theatre holds a Grade I listing, signifying its highest level of historical importance.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sadler's Wells Theatre holds a Grade II listing, which designates it as a building of special architectural or historic interest, rather than the highest Grade I status.
In the mid-18th century, Sadler's Wells was depicted as a fashionable venue frequented by the aristocracy.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the mid-18th century, Sadler's Wells was depicted as having lost its fashionability, satirized for its audience of tradesmen and disreputable characters.
The Minor Theatres Act of 1751 allowed Sadler's Wells to present straight drama without any restrictions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Minor Theatres Act of 1751 imposed restrictions, preventing theatres like Sadler's Wells from staging straight drama without specific licenses, leading them to present performances as musical entertainments.
Giuseppe Grimaldi was the Ballet Master engaged by Sadler's Wells in 1764.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1764, Thomas Rosoman engaged dancers from the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and Giuseppe Grimaldi served as the Ballet Master for these performances at Sadler's Wells.
The second theatre at Sadler's Wells, built by Thomas Rosoman, was a wooden structure.
Answer: False
Explanation: The second theatre at Sadler's Wells, built by Thomas Rosoman, was a brick structure, replacing the original wooden building.
Thomas King acquired management of Sadler's Wells in 1771 and primarily focused on opera.
Answer: False
Explanation: Thomas King acquired management in 1771 and, while favoring drama, primarily focused on pantomimes, becoming a rival to the Theatre Royal, Haymarket in that genre.
Joseph Grimaldi, the famous clown, made his debut at Sadler's Wells at the age of sixteen.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joseph Grimaldi, the renowned clown, made his debut at Sadler's Wells in 1781 at the age of two.
In the 1790s, plans were made to convert Sadler's Wells into a public library.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the 1790s, plans were made for the renovation and rebuilding of the theatre due to its deteriorating condition, not for conversion into a public library.
The 1802 addition of the Aqua-show enabled Sadler's Wells to stage aquatic spectacles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1802 reopening of Sadler's Wells featured a rebuilt interior and the addition of an Aqua-show, which allowed for the staging of aquatic spectacles and 'nautical drama'.
In which London borough is Sadler's Wells Theatre located?
Answer: Islington
Explanation: Sadler's Wells Theatre is located in the London Borough of Islington.
Sadler's Wells Theatre holds which designation for its historical significance?
Answer: Grade II listing
Explanation: Sadler's Wells Theatre holds a Grade II listing, signifying its historical and architectural importance.
By the mid-18th century, how was Sadler's Wells Theatre depicted in terms of its fashionability and clientele?
Answer: As a venue that had lost its fashionability, satirized for its audience of tradesmen and disreputable characters.
Explanation: By the mid-18th century, Sadler's Wells Theatre was depicted as having lost its fashionability, often satirized for its audience comprising tradesmen and disreputable characters.
How did theatres like Sadler's Wells circumvent the Minor Theatres Act of 1751, which restricted spoken dialogue?
Answer: They presented performances as musical entertainments with actors speaking against instrumental music.
Explanation: Theatres like Sadler's Wells circumvented the Minor Theatres Act of 1751 by presenting performances as musical entertainments, where actors spoke their lines against continuous instrumental music.
What significant addition was made to Sadler's Wells in 1802 that enabled 'nautical drama'?
Answer: An Aqua-show featuring a large water tank under the stage.
Explanation: The significant addition made to Sadler's Wells in 1802 was the Aqua-show, which featured a large water tank under the stage, enabling the staging of aquatic spectacles and 'nautical drama'.
Samuel Phelps managed Sadler's Wells Theatre during the late 18th century, focusing on Shakespearean plays.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samuel Phelps managed Sadler's Wells Theatre during the mid-19th century (1844-1862), during which time he gained renown for his Shakespearean productions.
Joseph Grimaldi was the principal clown at Sadler's Wells until 1830.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joseph Grimaldi served as the principal clown at Sadler's Wells until 1820, though he continued performing elsewhere.
The Theatres Act of 1843 allowed Sadler's Wells to present serious drama by repealing restrictions on non-patent theatres.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Theatres Act of 1843 repealed previous restrictions, enabling theatres like Sadler's Wells to present serious drama without the limitations previously imposed on non-patent theatres.
Samuel Phelps's vision for Sadler's Wells was to make it an exclusive venue for experimental avant-garde theatre.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samuel Phelps's vision was to make Sadler's Wells a venue for popular Shakespearean drama, aiming to bring classic plays to a wider audience with artistic integrity.
During Samuel Phelps's management, Sadler's Wells had a capacity of approximately 1,500 and a high rent.
Answer: False
Explanation: During Samuel Phelps's management, Sadler's Wells had a capacity of approximately 2,500 seats and benefited from a low rent, which contributed to its success.
Phelps's Shakespearean productions retained the 18th-century alterations and additions to the texts.
Answer: False
Explanation: Phelps's productions were notable for purging Shakespeare's texts of the 18th-century alterations and additions, aiming for greater fidelity to the original works.
Literary figures like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe visited Sadler's Wells during Samuel Phelps's tenure.
Answer: False
Explanation: Literary figures who visited Sadler's Wells during Samuel Phelps's tenure included Charles Dickens and John Forster, not Shakespeare or Marlowe who lived centuries earlier.
After Samuel Phelps's departure, Sadler's Wells struggled and closed in 1874 due to a state of disrepair, with plans to convert it into a museum.
Answer: False
Explanation: After Phelps's departure, Sadler's Wells struggled and closed in 1874 due to disrepair, but plans considered were for conversion into baths and washhouses, not a museum.
Sidney Bateman purchased the lease of Sadler's Wells in 1878 with the intention of turning it into a music hall.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sidney Bateman purchased the lease in 1878 with the intention of restoring Sadler's Wells as a classical playhouse, not a music hall.
In 1879, C. J. Phipps redesigned the interior of Sadler's Wells, increasing its capacity.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1879, architect C. J. Phipps redesigned the interior of Sadler's Wells, including the auditorium, which increased its seating capacity.
By the late 19th century, Sadler's Wells had become difficult to access due to Islington's decline.
Answer: False
Explanation: By the late 19th century, Islington had become an accessible inner suburb, and Sadler's Wells was easily reached by public transport.
In 1894, architect Bertie Crewe added a new proscenium arch to Sadler's Wells.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1894, architect Bertie Crewe added a new portico to Sadler's Wells, aligning it with the newly constructed Rosebery Avenue.
During which period did Sadler's Wells gain renown for its seasons of Shakespearean plays under the management of Samuel Phelps?
Answer: Mid-19th century (1844-1862)
Explanation: Sadler's Wells gained renown for its Shakespearean seasons under Samuel Phelps's management during the mid-19th century, specifically from 1844 to 1862.
Joseph Grimaldi, the renowned clown, was the principal clown at Sadler's Wells until which year?
Answer: 1820
Explanation: Joseph Grimaldi, the renowned clown, served as the principal clown at Sadler's Wells until 1820.
The Theatres Act of 1843 had what significant effect on theatres like Sadler's Wells?
Answer: It allowed them to present serious drama without prior licensing restrictions.
Explanation: The Theatres Act of 1843 significantly affected theatres like Sadler's Wells by allowing them to present serious drama without prior licensing restrictions, repealing earlier limitations.
What was Samuel Phelps's primary goal for Sadler's Wells during his management?
Answer: To bring Shakespearean plays to a wider, popular audience.
Explanation: Samuel Phelps's primary goal was to bring Shakespearean plays to a wider, popular audience, aiming to establish Sadler's Wells as a respected venue for classic drama.
Which of these literary figures visited Sadler's Wells during Samuel Phelps's tenure?
Answer: Charles Dickens and John Forster
Explanation: Literary figures such as Charles Dickens and John Forster visited Sadler's Wells during Samuel Phelps's management period.
After Samuel Phelps's departure, Sadler's Wells struggled and eventually closed in 1874 due to what reason?
Answer: A perilous state of repair.
Explanation: After Samuel Phelps's departure, Sadler's Wells struggled and eventually closed in 1874 due to a perilous state of repair.
Who purchased the lease of Sadler's Wells in 1878 with the aim of restoring its reputation as a classical playhouse?
Answer: Sidney Bateman
Explanation: Sidney Bateman purchased the lease of Sadler's Wells in 1878 with the aim of restoring its reputation as a classical playhouse.
What architectural changes were made to Sadler's Wells in 1879 by C. J. Phipps?
Answer: The interior was remodelled, including the auditorium, increasing capacity.
Explanation: In 1879, C. J. Phipps redesigned the interior of Sadler's Wells, remodelling the auditorium and increasing its capacity.
The play 'Trelawny of the "Wells"' was inspired by Sadler's Wells and featured characters modeled on which actress?
Answer: Alice Marriott
Explanation: The play 'Trelawny of the "Wells"' was inspired by Sadler's Wells and featured characters modeled on the actress Alice Marriott, who was also a co-manager of the theatre.
The philanthropist Lilian Baylis was responsible for buying and rebuilding Sadler's Wells Theatre in 1926.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lilian Baylis, a significant philanthropist and theatre manager, acquired and rebuilt Sadler's Wells Theatre in 1926, a pivotal step in its revival.
In the early 20th century, Sadler's Wells primarily hosted touring opera companies.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the early 20th century, Sadler's Wells also functioned as a cinema and hosted 'cowboy melodramas,' and did not primarily host touring opera companies.
A plan supported by Bernard Shaw in 1914 aimed to transform Sadler's Wells into a luxury opera house.
Answer: False
Explanation: A plan supported by Bernard Shaw in 1914 aimed to transform Sadler's Wells into 'a people's theatre,' not a luxury opera house, and was abandoned due to World War I.
Sadler's Wells declined into dereliction and closed permanently in 1915, not reopening after WWI.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sadler's Wells did decline into dereliction, closing in 1915 and not reopening after World War I.
Lilian Baylis's 1925 campaign aimed to reopen Sadler's Wells as an exclusive venue for the wealthy elite.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lilian Baylis's 1925 campaign aimed to reopen Sadler's Wells to provide affordable access to the arts for a working-class audience, similar to her Old Vic initiative.
The new Sadler's Wells Theatre, which opened in 1931, was designed by Frank Matcham.
Answer: False
Explanation: The new Sadler's Wells Theatre, which opened in 1931, was designed by F. G. M. Chancellor, not Frank Matcham.
Lilian Baylis established a dance company at Sadler's Wells to fulfill a long-held wish related to her Old Vic productions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lilian Baylis established a dance company at Sadler's Wells, fulfilling her long-held ambition to foster dance, stemming from her work with the Old Vic.
By 1935, the established pattern was for opera to be presented at the Old Vic and ballet at Sadler's Wells.
Answer: False
Explanation: By 1935, the established pattern was for drama at the Old Vic and opera and ballet at Sadler's Wells.
The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company held its only London season at Sadler's Wells in the 1950s.
Answer: False
Explanation: The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company held numerous London seasons at Sadler's Wells from the 1930s through the 1980s, not just one in the 1950s.
In 1945, Sadler's Wells hosted the world premiere of Benjamin Britten's 'Peter Grimes', and the main ballet company subsequently moved to Covent Garden.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1945, Sadler's Wells hosted the world premiere of Benjamin Britten's 'Peter Grimes,' and following World War II, the main ballet company relocated to Covent Garden.
After the opera company moved to the London Coliseum in 1968, Sadler's Wells shifted its primary focus to drama.
Answer: False
Explanation: After the opera company moved in 1968, Sadler's Wells shifted its primary focus to dance, becoming a major centre for this art form.
Lorna Hill wrote a series of children's books in the 1950s and '60s about girls learning ballet at Sadler's Wells.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lorna Hill authored a series of children's books in the 1950s and '60s, including titles like 'A Dream of Sadlers Wells,' which featured young girls learning ballet at the theatre.
Who was instrumental in buying and rebuilding Sadler's Wells Theatre in 1926, leading to the development of companies like the Royal Ballet?
Answer: Lilian Baylis
Explanation: Lilian Baylis was instrumental in buying and rebuilding Sadler's Wells Theatre in 1926, which subsequently became a home for companies that developed into the Royal Ballet and other major arts organizations.
In the early 20th century, Sadler's Wells served a dual role as a cinema and a venue for what type of live shows?
Answer: 'Cowboy melodramas'
Explanation: In the early 20th century, Sadler's Wells functioned as a cinema and hosted live shows described as 'cowboy melodramas'.
What was the reason for the abandonment of the 1914 plan to transform Sadler's Wells into 'a people's theatre'?
Answer: The outbreak of the First World War.
Explanation: The 1914 plan to transform Sadler's Wells into 'a people's theatre' was abandoned due to the outbreak of the First World War.
Lilian Baylis's campaign in 1925 aimed to reopen Sadler's Wells to provide what for the public?
Answer: Affordable access to the arts for a working-class audience.
Explanation: Lilian Baylis's 1925 campaign aimed to reopen Sadler's Wells to provide affordable access to the arts for a working-class audience.
Who designed the new Sadler's Wells Theatre that opened in 1931?
Answer: F. G. M. Chancellor
Explanation: The new Sadler's Wells Theatre, which opened in 1931, was designed by F. G. M. Chancellor.
By 1935, what was the established pattern for the 'Vic-Wells' companies regarding their performance venues?
Answer: Drama at the Old Vic, opera and ballet at Sadler's Wells.
Explanation: By 1935, the established pattern was for drama to be presented at the Old Vic and opera and ballet at Sadler's Wells.
Which opera company held numerous London seasons at Sadler's Wells from the 1930s to the 1980s?
Answer: The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Explanation: The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company held numerous London seasons at Sadler's Wells from the 1930s to the 1980s.
What significant event occurred at Sadler's Wells in 1945, and what was the consequence for the ballet company?
Answer: The premiere of Benjamin Britten's 'Peter Grimes', and the main ballet company moved to Covent Garden.
Explanation: In 1945, Sadler's Wells hosted the world premiere of Benjamin Britten's 'Peter Grimes,' and following World War II, the main ballet company relocated to Covent Garden.
After the opera company moved to the London Coliseum in 1968, what became Sadler's Wells' primary focus?
Answer: Dance
Explanation: After the opera company moved in 1968, Sadler's Wells shifted its primary focus to dance, becoming a dedicated centre for this art form.
Sadler's Wells Theatre is currently primarily known as a venue for theatrical drama.
Answer: False
Explanation: The current Sadler's Wells Theatre is primarily recognized as a premier venue for dance, functioning as both a host for visiting companies and a producer of original dance works, rather than theatrical drama.
The main auditorium of the current Sadler's Wells Theatre has a capacity of 2,500 seats.
Answer: False
Explanation: The main auditorium of the current Sadler's Wells Theatre has a capacity of 1,500 seats; the Lilian Baylis Studio has a capacity of 200.
The owner of Sadler's Wells Theatre is the City of London Corporation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The owner of Sadler's Wells Theatre is the Sadlers Wells Trust, a charitable organization.
Ian Albery led a campaign in 1994 to transform Sadler's Wells into a purpose-built cinema.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1994, Ian Albery led a campaign to transform Sadler's Wells into a purpose-built dance theatre, not a cinema.
The current Sadler's Wells Theatre, which opened in 1998, was designed by the architects RHWL.
Answer: True
Explanation: The current Sadler's Wells Theatre, which opened in 1998, was designed by the architects RHWL.
Under director Alistair Spalding, Sadler's Wells aims to function for contemporary dance similarly to the Royal Opera House for opera.
Answer: False
Explanation: Under director Alistair Spalding, Sadler's Wells aims to function for contemporary dance similarly to the National Theatre for drama, by creating and sharing new works.
In 2004, Breakin' Convention joined Sadler's Wells, focusing on representing the origins and evolution of hip hop culture.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2004, Breakin' Convention became part of Sadler's Wells, dedicated to showcasing the origins and evolution of hip hop culture.
Sadler's Wells currently claims to create and share more new opera than any other organization globally.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sadler's Wells currently claims to create and share more new dance work than any other organization globally, not opera.
In the 2020s, Sadler's Wells faced criticism for its sponsorship by Greenpeace.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the 2020s, Sadler's Wells faced criticism for its sponsorship by Barclays Bank, due to associations with environmentally damaging investments, not Greenpeace.
The 'East Bank' project in Stratford, London, includes a new venue called Sadler's Wells East Theatre, scheduled to open in 2025.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'East Bank' project in Stratford, London, includes the new Sadler's Wells East Theatre, slated to open in 2025.
The architects for the Sadler's Wells East Theatre were from Foster + Partners.
Answer: False
Explanation: The architects for the Sadler's Wells East Theatre were from O'Donnell & Tuomey, not Foster + Partners.
Sadler's Wells East Theatre opened on January 16, 2025, with its first production being 'The Nutcracker'.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sadler's Wells East Theatre opened on January 16, 2025, with its first production being 'Our Mighty Groove' by choreographer Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu, which premiered on February 6, 2025.
What is the current primary function of Sadler's Wells Theatre?
Answer: A producing house and host for visiting dance companies.
Explanation: The current primary function of Sadler's Wells Theatre is to serve as a leading venue for dance, acting as both a host for international touring dance companies and a producer of original dance productions.
What is the seating capacity of the Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler's Wells Theatre?
Answer: 200
Explanation: The Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler's Wells Theatre has a seating capacity of 200.
What is Sadler's Wells aiming to achieve for contemporary dance under director Alistair Spalding?
Answer: To function similarly to the National Theatre for drama, by creating and sharing new works.
Explanation: Under director Alistair Spalding, Sadler's Wells aims to function for contemporary dance similarly to how the National Theatre operates for drama, by creating and sharing new works.
What cultural event, representing hip hop culture, joined Sadler's Wells in 2004?
Answer: Breakin' Convention
Explanation: In 2004, Breakin' Convention joined Sadler's Wells, an event dedicated to representing the origins and evolution of hip hop culture.
What is Sadler's Wells' current claim regarding its new work creation?
Answer: It creates and shares more new work than any other dance organization globally.
Explanation: Sadler's Wells currently claims to create and share more new dance work than any other organization globally.
What criticism has Sadler's Wells faced in the 2020s concerning its sponsorship?
Answer: Sponsorship by Barclays Bank, linked to environmentally damaging investments.
Explanation: In the 2020s, Sadler's Wells faced criticism regarding its sponsorship by Barclays Bank, due to associations with environmentally damaging investments.
The 'East Bank' project in Stratford, London, includes a new venue called Sadler's Wells East Theatre, scheduled to open in which year?
Answer: 2025
Explanation: The 'East Bank' project in Stratford, London, includes the new Sadler's Wells East Theatre, which is scheduled to open in 2025.
Who were the architects for the Sadler's Wells East Theatre?
Answer: O'Donnell & Tuomey
Explanation: The architects for the Sadler's Wells East Theatre were O'Donnell & Tuomey.
What was the first production at the Sadler's Wells East Theatre, which opened on January 16, 2025?
Answer: 'Our Mighty Groove' by choreographer Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu
Explanation: The first production at the Sadler's Wells East Theatre, which opened on January 16, 2025, was 'Our Mighty Groove' by choreographer Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu, premiering on February 6, 2025.