The Mariinsky Opera and Ballet toured the world for many years under the name of the Kirov. Now Sadler's Wells is delighted to host this world famous company for the first time in the theatre's history.

Programme 1 (13 & 14 October)

Launching Sadler's Wells's Focus on Forsythe 08/09, the ballet company presents a programme of seminal works by William Forsythe. Steptext, set to Bach's Chaconne, is a series of duets performed by one woman and three men. Approximate Sonata combines five pas de deux with a thrilling score by Thom Willems.

The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude is Forsythe's playful twist on the classical style, as the tutu-clad ballerinas move with fearsome velocity. Completing the Forsythe repertoire is the magnificent In the middle, somewhat elevated.

Programme 2 (15 & 16 October)

The second programme features the UK premiere of Alexei Ratmansky's Pierrot Lunaire, presented at New York City Center earlier in 2008. Pierrot Lunaire was choreographed on Mariinsky prima ballerina Diana Vishneva, who dances this role again in London.

The evening is completed by two of George Balanchine's timeless works – Apollo and The Prodigal Son – set to scores by two of the 20th Century's greatest Russian composers, Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Prokofiev.

Find out more about the rich variety of West End shows on offer in Theatreland.