one4review | On 16, Aug 2025

Lola: A Flamenco Love Story is a vibrant dance musical that fuses flamenco with Latin pop and jazz, telling the moving story of Lola’s journey from 1960s Spain to London.

After the death of her husband, Lola flees the poverty of Franco-era Spain in search of work, leaving her young children behind. In London, she moves into a flat with other Spanish girls and finds employment as an office cleaner. But life is not easy—she struggles with grief, homesickness, and the pain of separation from her children. With the encouragement of her flatmates, she ventures out, and a chance encounter offers her a glimmer of new hope.

While some Spanish dialogue is supported by on-screen subtitles, it is ultimately the passion of the music, the powerful singing, and above all, the electrifying flamenco dancing that tell this heartfelt story. One of the most striking moments comes when a dancer, dressed in black with a shawl, embodies Lola’s grief through a spellbinding flamenco solo. Equally unforgettable is a male dancer’s breathtaking solo during a moonlit proposal scene—a true masterclass in flamenco that captures both tenderness and intensity.

The atmosphere is enriched by the superb live band positioned on stage, with singers who deliver consistently outstanding performances. Together, they create a show that pulses with energy, emotion, and authenticity.

This tale of resilience, love, and hope is a thoroughly engaging experience. Judging by the standing ovation on the night, the audience was every bit as captivated as I was.

****

Reviewed by Lynn

Pleasance at EICC (Lennox)

30th – 24th (except 6th, 13th, 20th)

19:30 (1hr 15 mins)