Stories Returns to Sadler's Wells: The Tap Dance Spectacular That Took Europe by Storm

After a sold-out debut London run and a European tour that drew audiences of over 300,000 people, the electrifying tap dance spectacular Stories is returning to the capital. This time, the acclaimed production from RB Dance Company will play 20 performances at Sadler's Wells, one of London's most prestigious dance venues. Tickets are now available to book.

The show represents a thrilling collision of urban jazz, tap and percussion, wrapped around a gripping narrative about creativity, control and artistic freedom. For fans of new shows landing on London stages, this is one of the most exciting dance events of the season.

What Is Stories About?

At the heart of Stories is a compelling dramatic premise. Icarus, a young actor, has already become a sensation on screen. But behind the cameras, he is trapped under the oppressive influence of his director. When a volatile argument erupts between them, Icarus finds himself unable to break free from the director's stranglehold, and the show spirals into a visceral exploration of power, ambition and artistic expression.

It is a story that resonates far beyond the world of dance. The tension between a performer and the figure who controls their career is a theme as old as theatre itself, and RB Dance Company channel it into a production that is as emotionally gripping as it is physically spectacular. The narrative gives the extraordinary dance sequences genuine dramatic weight, elevating Stories well beyond a standard showcase.

RB Dance Company: From France's Got Talent to the World Stage

RB Dance Company first captured widespread attention through two memorable runs on France's Got Talent, reaching the finals in both 2018 and 2024. Those television appearances introduced their unique blend of tap, urban jazz and live percussion to millions of viewers, but the company's live performances are where their artistry truly shines.

The ensemble brings together dancers and musicians whose combined physicality creates something genuinely extraordinary. Tap dance is reimagined as a percussive art form in its own right, with the dancers' feet becoming instruments in a wider sonic landscape. The result is a production that appeals equally to dedicated dance audiences and theatregoers looking for something completely different from the usual West End fare.

Their European tour saw the company perform to vast audiences across the continent, building a reputation for shows that are both technically dazzling and emotionally resonant. The move to Sadler's Wells for this return engagement is a significant step, placing the company in one of the world's leading dance houses.

A Triumphant Return to London

The production's first London outing took place at the Peacock Theatre in 2024, where it sold out its entire run. The critical response was enthusiastic, with reviewers praising the company's extraordinary energy and the clever way the production weaves narrative through its dance sequences.

Now, with 20 new performances confirmed at Sadler's Wells, London audiences have another chance to experience what European critics have been raving about. The venue itself is a natural home for a production like Stories. Sadler's Wells has long championed innovative dance from around the world, and the theatre's state-of-the-art facilities should allow RB Dance Company to present the show at its absolute best.

The expanded run also suggests strong confidence in the show's commercial appeal. Selling out the Peacock Theatre clearly demonstrated London's appetite for this kind of high-energy, narrative-driven dance theatre, and the larger number of performances at Sadler's Wells will give more audiences the chance to see it.

Why Tap Dance Is Having a Moment

Tap dance has been enjoying something of a renaissance in recent years. While it has always had a devoted following, productions like Stories are bringing it to new audiences by combining traditional technique with contemporary influences. RB Dance Company's fusion of tap with urban jazz and live percussion creates a sound and visual language that feels thoroughly modern, even as it draws on the rich history of tap as a performance art.

London has always been a welcoming home for innovative dance. The capital's diverse theatre scene encompasses everything from classical ballet at the Royal Opera House to boundary-pushing contemporary work at venues like Sadler's Wells and the Barbican. Stories sits perfectly in that tradition of programming that challenges expectations and introduces audiences to new forms of theatrical expression.

For those who might associate tap primarily with the golden age of Hollywood musicals, RB Dance Company's approach will come as a revelation. This is tap dance reimagined for the 21st century: raw, powerful, percussive and deeply theatrical.

Should You Book?

If you missed the sold-out 2024 run at the Peacock Theatre, this is your chance. Given the speed at which the previous engagement sold out, early booking is strongly recommended. The combination of a proven hit production, a world-class venue and a limited 20-performance run makes this one of the most in-demand dance events on the London calendar.

Stories is ideal for anyone who loves dance, live music, physical theatre or simply a good story told in an unexpected way. It is accessible enough for newcomers to contemporary dance while offering the technical brilliance that seasoned dance fans crave.

Whether you are a regular at Sadler's Wells or visiting for the first time, Stories promises an unforgettable evening. Browse all new shows currently available in London, or explore the full range of performances on our shows listing page.