Sadler's Wells
11 August 2007


A good show last year, Paco Peña's A Compas! returned to Sadler's Wells with such vigour and maturity that it could almost be considered a different production.

More than a show of the flamenco rhythms for which it was named, this production allowed each dancer to showcase their own personal style, but as part of a wonderfully conceived integrated whole. Precise and flowing, raw and sensual, controlled and classical, the dancers melded with the music to express the true essence and variety of real flamenco.

And what dancers they are. Ángel Muñoz , such a graceful, passionate and precise artist, has been performing with Peña for years and it showed mightily here. His footwork formed part of a fluent and complex conversation with guitar and dancers throughout the show. Charo Espino's serious demeanour, clear footwork and intense classical movements form a perfect counterpoint to Muñoz' s playful interactions. I've known people to cross continents to learn from Espino and it should be no surprise to the audience to hear that Muñoz is considered one of the great flamenco heartthrobs of the day.

More visceral was Ramon Martinez's powerful Alegrías , jam-packed with intricate, rapid and precise footwork. Despite its length this solo proved mesmerizing to both audience and musicians alike. Equally dazzling was a duet in which Muñoz and Peña wrapped music and dance in a seamless partnership of tone, rhythm and movement until it was impossible to distinguish their interactions or tell who was responsible for initiation or response.

That Peña can produce such wonderful sounds with a single guitar demonstrates clearly why he's considered such a world-famous virtuoso. That the rhythms could offer hints of Latin and Jazz without compromising the essence of flamenco show why he's known for much more. Passion for flamenco combined with security in his own abilities meant that Peña was as generous with his troupe as ever, providing each dancer with the space and time to shine.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening in which the performers' familiarity with each others' styles and the music allowed a synergy and depth that is so rarely achieved. Enthusiastic audience participation added to the zest of the night and left us thrilled well after its end.

Carole Edrich