A STAR STUDDED CELEBRATION OF FLAMENCO’S FINEST

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

The Flamenco Festival at Sadler’s Wells is always one of the highlights of my cultural calendar, and this year’s Gala Flamenca certainly delivered. Four of the world’s most celebrated flamenco dancers – Eva Yerbabuena, Manuel Liñán, El Farru, and Juan Tomás de la Molía – united for a special edition of this annual centrepiece, and what a feast it was.

The evening opened beautifully, with the four dancers appearing in boxed light squares, each suspended in their own pool of illumination. It was a stunning visual introduction that immediately set the tone for the theatricality to come. All the performers were talented, and it was wonderful to see such a good cross-section of modern flamenco talent on one stage – from the established legends to the rising stars.

Let me start with the legend herself. Eva Yerbabuena is hailed as “one of flamenco’s best”, and watching her perform her renowned soleá, I understood exactly why. Dressed in black, she entered quietly from the wings along a strip of blue light, slowly walking across the stage and pausing to reach back to an unseen past. When she let rip, her feet went like pistons, the speed and intensity giving me actual shivers. There is a depth to her performance that feels almost spiritual – you can see why she won last year’s Outstanding Achievement in Dance Olivier Award. Her duet with Manuel Liñán, both in long black skirts, was a particular highlight.

Manuel Liñán, who also served as artistic director for the Gala, brought his signature playfulness to the stage. Known for subverting gender expectations in flamenco, he danced in a traditional bata de cola dress with a fringed red shawl, wielding it with incredible intensity. Later, clad in a red suit, he proved he can channel his masculine side too, holding his own opposite El Farru and Juan Tomás de la Molía. His joyful, comedic energy was a welcome contrast to some of the more sombre pieces.

El Farru, hailing from the legendary Farruco family, brought power and presence. His footwork was explosive, and there was something uncannily devilish about him in his red suit, tapping his walking stick with exacting precision. At one point, he even picked up a guitar and played, reminding us of his all-rounder status. The man has collaborated with Beyoncé, Björk, and Marc Anthony, and you can see why – he is a consummate performer.

And then there was Juan Tomás de la Molía, the “rising star” and youngest of the four. Described as “a torrent of footwork”, he absolutely lived up to the billing. His clean lines, rapid ankle movements, and seductive style were mesmerising. He is one to watch, without a doubt.

The music was next-level fabulous and deeply moving in places. The singers – Mara Rey, Juan de la María, Manuel de Ginés, and Sebastián del Puerto – were loud and vociferous, their voices soaring with raw emotion. Mara Rey had her own solo number in the second act, decorative flowers falling from her hair as she sang with impassioned intensity. The guitarists, Paco Jarana and Francisco Vinuesa, provided the lyrical heart of the evening, while percussionist Daniel Suárez added extra punch. The lighting design was also effective throughout, enhancing each performance without ever distracting.

Gala Flamenca is successfully pitched between honouring the work that has come before and finding new creative outlets for the dance and musical form. It is a celebratory opening to the annual Flamenco Festival, and I left feeling exhilarated.

Gala Flamenca was performed at Sadler’s Wells on Friday 19 June, as part of the Flamenco Festival 2026.

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Photo Credit: Hirohisa AoyağI

CAST

Eva Yerbabuena
Manuel Liñán
El Farru
Juan Tomás de la Molía

MUSICIANS

Singers – Mara Rey, Juan de la María, Manuel de Ginés, Sebastián del Puerto
Guitarists – Paco Jarana, Francisco Vinuesa
Percussionist – Daniel Suárez

PRODUCTION

Artistic Director – Manuel Liñán