Sadler’s Wells: Flamenco Festival 2023 Review

I have always been fond of a trip to the historic Sadler’s Wells performing arts theatre. I admit though, that I am usually there in my turtleneck and tights with a mulled wine, as Christmas is approaching and ballet season is on pointe. This week’s trip was just as magical whilst totally the opposite.  There was a spicier air in the auditorium as the annual Flamenco Festival took over Sadler’s Wells for its XVIII edition.

Image: La Confluencia, part of Flamenco Festival at Sadler’s Wells. © Beatrix Mexi Molnar

I was totally awestruck for the full 75 minute performance of La Confluencia. The all male Estévez/Paños and Company brought a fire to the otherwise stark stage, utterly captivating the audience from the first plucks of the Spanish strings to the final clack of heels that ended the show. Words can barely do justice to the chemistry of the dance troupe who were able to move their bodies in ways I can’t say I had conceived possible. If I had to choose a few though: passion, stamina, brutal core strength, contortion, balance... are a few that stick in the mind. (That’s as well as hip action to rival Shakira, steel six packs and arms chiselled by the gods… but we’ll remain a publication of class).  

Image: La Confluencia, part of Flamenco Festival at Sadler’s Wells. © Beatrix Mexi Molnar

And the music! It might be festival frenzy in London at the moment but there ain’t an audio system in a field that could give me the chills that this show did. Francisco Blanco’s voice like butter, Ivan Mellens percussion (I am pretty convinced he was hiding a few extra hands and feet to make all those noises) and Claudio Villanueva’s glowing orange guitar came together with a warmth and complexity that I’d like to be enshrined on vinyl so that I can listen to it on repeat from my terrace with a rioja in hand for the rest of the summer days. Wow.

Image: La Confluencia part of Flamenco Festival at Sadler’s Wells. © Beatrix Mexi Molnar

There are still a few nights of the Flamenco Festival left so swap that mulled wine for sangria this summer and get yourself down to Sadler’s Wells. Click here to discover what’s on.

Date: 12 July 2023. Location: Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4TN.

Words by Lucy Firestone