Sadler's Wells Trust Limited

Also known as: Sadlers Wells Theatre

The object for which the charity is established is to advance education particularly by encouraging the understanding and appreciation of the dramatic arts.

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Activities & Mission

The object for which the charity is established is to advance education particularly by encouraging the understanding and appreciation of the dramatic arts.

Areas of Operation

Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.

Local Authority

City Of Westminster Islington

Financial Information

Latest Income

£43,305,760

Latest Expenditure

£37,849,564

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 76.7%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 29% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M (sample: 125). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 87.7%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 31% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 12.4%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 22% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £14,368,964

Charitable Activities £23,109,913

Other Trading £3,861,451

Investments £1,078,940

Other Income £886,492

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £33,212,567

Raising Funds £4,636,997

Governance £66,152

Grants to Institutions £0

Other Expenditure £0

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2025	£43,305,760	£37,849,564	£33,212,567	£13,090,954	£3,500,000	384 / 0
2024	£41,757,221	£40,198,645	£36,479,296	£6,869,259	£3,714,800	325 / 8
2023	£31,133,687	£30,793,752	£27,762,087	£4,653,516	£1,148,731	304 / 0
2022	£22,696,000	£25,292,000	£22,912,000	£4,114,000	£2,536,000	205 / 0
2021	£15,550,000	£13,003,000	£11,656,000	£6,316,000	£3,757,000	229 / 0

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about Sadler's Wells Trust Limited

What does Sadler's Wells Trust Limited do?

The object for which the charity is established is to advance education particularly by encouraging the understanding and appreciation of the dramatic arts.

How much income did Sadler's Wells Trust Limited report in 2025?

Sadler's Wells Trust Limited reported total income of £43.31m and reported expenditure of £37.85m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is Sadler's Wells Trust Limited?

Sadler's Wells Trust Limited has a program ratio of 76.7%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 29% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M (sample of 125 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was Sadler's Wells Trust Limited registered as a charity?

Sadler's Wells Trust Limited was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 30 April 1980 as charity number 279884. It has been registered for 46 years.

Who runs Sadler's Wells Trust Limited?

Sadler's Wells Trust Limited is governed by a board of 16 trustees. The chair of trustees is NIGEL HIGGINS. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does Sadler's Wells Trust Limited operate?

Sadler's Wells Trust Limited operates across 2 areas: City Of Westminster and Islington.

Is Sadler's Wells Trust Limited a registered charity?

Yes — Sadler's Wells Trust Limited is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 279884.