Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells

A studio theatre that transforms. The Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells can be a raked 180-seat auditorium for a morning conference and an open-plan reception space for 350 standing by evening — the retractable seating retracts at the touch of a button, revealing a blank canvas floor beneath. That dual capability is the defining feature. Events that need both a formal presentation phase and a social element afterwards don’t require a room change; the room itself changes.

The Lilian Baylis Studio as a Performance Space

Recently refurbished sound and lighting equipment gives the studio genuine theatre-grade production quality at an intimate scale. The tiered seating creates the close, engaged audience dynamic that larger auditoriums lose — everyone is near the stage, sightlines are unobstructed, and the acoustics suit spoken word as well as they suit music. Three private dressing rooms sit backstage, and a dedicated technical team is included with the hire. A built-in projector with HDMI, drop-down screen, PA system, two wired microphones, lecterns, and Wi-Fi cover most presentation requirements without additional equipment hire.

Receptions and Dinners at Sadler’s Wells

With the seating retracted, the studio floor accommodates 350 standing or 100 in cabaret layout — intimate enough for atmosphere, large enough for a proper event. The first circle and second circle areas above can be used for catering, creating a natural separation between drinks reception and main space. The adjacent Fox Garden Court Café provides additional pre- or post-event capacity for arrivals drinks or informal networking. In-house catering handles all food and drink; external caterers are not permitted, but the kitchen produces seasonal menus tailored to the event.

Conferences and Presentations in the Lilian Baylis Studio

The 180-seat theatre configuration suits conferences, seminars, AGMs, and training days where focused audience attention matters. Air conditioning keeps the space comfortable regardless of season, and the alcohol licence runs until midnight for events extending into the evening. Award ceremonies work particularly well — the theatre setting adds a layer of occasion that flat-floored conference rooms lack, and the Sadler’s Wells name carries weight on an invitation. Natural daylight is available, which benefits daytime events and filming. The studio connects to the wider Sadler’s Wells Angel complex, where the Dorfman Room, The Khan, and Pina Bausch Room offer breakout spaces for multi-session programmes. Product launches and fashion shows have used the studio’s flexibility and production infrastructure to strong effect — the space is built for performance in the broadest sense, and that shows.