Back in September, we were invited to an industry event to tell us all about the newest addition to the Sadler’s Wells cohort alongside the Peacock Theatre in the West End, Lilian Baylis Studios and Sadler’s Wells Angel, we now have Sadler’s Wells East, 10 minutes’ walk from Stratford Station and nestled within East Bank. The building was still in construction so we couldn’t actually go inside but now, the finished product is a modern, classy, spacious setting complete with 550 retractable seater auditorium.
After much anticipation and buzz Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu (London 2012 Olympics) and Uchenna Dance’s Our Mighty Groove is the launch production which has opened Sadler’s Wells East. There’s no time to waste, and I say this with my chest, do believe the hype and try to catch this phenomenal show if you can.
Welcome to Club Groove complete with bouncers and stewards – all part of the nightclub experience. Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu and Kloe Dean’s choreography is both modern and classic drawing inspiration from hip hop culture with waacking, voguing alongside a nod to African and contemporary dance.
Sadler’s Wells East is for the community and this reincarnation of Our Mighty Groove features professionals alongside young dancers from east London. The production is led by Iona Brie and Shanelle Clemenson who boldly shine and strut their way through the crowd and on stage – inspiring us all to do the same.
The music by Ghanian Kweku Aaacht and Londoner Warren ‘Flamin Beatz’ Morgan-Humphreys is pulsating with undertones of familiar funky, jazzy beats and dance anthems – it’s impossible not to get submerged in rave culture even it’s just a little two step, all around we were appreciating the good vibrations.
Jodie-Simone Howe’s costumes were incredible with each dancer given their own individual style – shiny, sparkly, colourful and vibrant. Inspired by Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu experience at a nightclub in New York, you can see why Our Mighty Groove was selected to open Sadler’s Wells East dance venue, because after the 40 minute interval (it goes quickly), they’ve got rid of the seats, as the second half is a completely immersive experience where the audience and the performers become one at the Groove night club. The atmosphere was electric, our inhibitions left at the door, as it felt like a proper clubbing experience with everyone gyrating and freeing ourselves of the winter blues. At one point we were all doing an alternative ‘candy’ dance – loved it!
If this is the type of top quality show we can expect from London’s newest dance venue, then I for one, am super excited. No pressure but the bar has been set! Our Mighty Groove gets 10,10, 10 because it’s an absolute vibe and we can’t rate it enough. To keep the good vibes going, there’s a 30 minute after party. We felt so energised and uplifted as we left the shiny new venue and the Club Groove celebrations that it was the perfect way to start the weekend as I, too, embraced my inner Janet Jackson!
NEED TO KNOW: Our Mighty Groove plays at Sadler’s Wells East from 6-9 Feb 2025
Related links
Sadler’s Wells East unveils its opening programme for new venue opening 2025
