YAMATO The Drummers of Japan return to London’s Peacock Theatre from 12–30 May 2026 with their brand-new production, Hito no Chikara — The Power of Human Strength. Tickets from £25. Weekend matinee availability is already limited.
Book tickets at Sadler’s Wells →
What Is YAMATO?
YAMATO The Drummers of Japan are a taiko ensemble from Nara Prefecture, founded in 1993. They perform using wadaiko — traditional Japanese drums, some made from trees over 400 years old — combining ancient percussion techniques with athletic choreography and physical theatre.
Unlike traditional all-male taiko groups, YAMATO includes female performers. Their shows are intense physical events: loud, precise, and visceral. Previous London productions sold out extended runs at the Peacock Theatre in 2019 and 2024.
About the New Production: Hito no Chikara
Hito no Chikara (人の力) means “The Power of Human Strength.” The production confronts a world transformed by technology and asks a central question: what remains uniquely human? With each strike of the taiko, the performers channel resilience, passion, and the shared energy that connects people.
This is the UK premiere of the production. Running time is 2 hours including one 20-minute interval. The show features loud drumming and haze effects — check Sadler’s Wells’ content warnings page for full accessibility information.
Performance Schedule
The run is Tuesday to Sunday, with evening performances at 7:30pm and matinees on Saturdays (2:30pm) and Sundays (2:00pm or 2:30pm).
- Week 1: Tue 12 – Sun 17 May
- Week 2: Tue 19 – Sun 24 May
- Week 3: Tue 26 – Sat 30 May
Note: Saturday matinees (16, 23, 30 May) are showing limited availability. Weekday evening performances have good availability. Book early if you want a specific date.
Tickets
- Evening performances (Tue–Fri, Sat and Sun evenings): from £25 + £4 transaction fee
- Saturday and Sunday matinees: from £38 + £4 transaction fee
- Age guidance: 5+. Under 5s not admitted.
- Group bookings: available via Sadler’s Wells Box Office
Venue & Access
Peacock Theatre (Sadler’s Wells)
Portugal Street, London WC2A 2HT
- Tube: Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) or Temple (District and Circle lines) — both about 5 minutes’ walk
- Bus: Routes 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, 171, 188, 243, 501, 505, 521, X68
The Language of Taiko
Taiko performance has its own vocabulary rooted in Japanese. Wadaiko (和太鼓) refers specifically to Japanese drums. Odaiko (大太鼓) is the large barrel drum at the centre of many performances. Ma (間) — the deliberate use of silence and space — is as important in taiko as the strikes themselves, and is a concept that runs through Japanese music, architecture, and design.
Go deeper into Japanese culture and language
From taiko to tea ceremony, Japanese cultural experiences are richer with even a basic understanding of the language. Our certified native teachers offer private lessons from £23 — online or in person in London.
Book a trial lesson — £23Free JLPT materials
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Written by Ayaka Uchida — CEO of A-Digital Works, founder of Nihon GO! World.