Love’s Labours Lost: A Flamenco Twist on Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre

When I read that Love’s Labours Lost at Shakespeare’s Globe would have a flamenco twist, I anticipated Spanish fans, ruffled skirts and the occasional olé. I wasn’t prepared for a full-on flamenco show*.

Depending on how much of a traditionalist you are when it comes to the Bard, this might either make your bottom clench or fill your heart with glee. For me, as a huge fan of both art forms (Shakespeare plays and flamenco), it was a match made in heaven. 

My guest Rachel was equally keen (we both had crushes on Joaquín Cortés back in the day). So we perched excitedly on our cushions in the galleries, waiting for the fun to start. It’s been years since I watched a play at Shakespeare’s original theatre, a destination worth adding to any London bucket list. 

The Globe offers circular seating along with standing tickets in the arena (at just £5-£10 a pop), so you can be immersed in the action. The central yard is open air so you need to plan your trip (and outfit) for any type of weather. For a two and a half hour show, I prefer being seated but the standing crowd adds atmosphere and a sense of history. You can imagine being in the mix of Elizabethan Londoners gawping at Macbeth’s dagger, cackling at Falstaff’s jokes, or singing “hey nonny” with the balladeers.

On a balmy 21st century evening, the Globe was packed with people from all over. The stage set was beautifully designed to provide a burst of Spanish colour with its rich Andalusian palette and ornate tiling. A flamenco performance kicked off the drama with a band of musicians playing on stage, singer Carlos Lobo Cordón leading the vocals, and the whole cast dancing up a storm.

The opening choreography (by Carmen Igarza and movement consultant Vanessa Guevara) was so professional that, for a second, I wondered if they were going to perform the entire play in dance! Then the music faded and Shakespeare’s words took over.

In Love’s Labours Lost, the King of Navarre and his three lords withdraw from public life for three years to focus on their studies. They swear an oath of abstinence and order that any woman who approaches should have her tongue cut out!

The only problem is that the King of Spain’s daughter is on her way with her three ladies-in-waiting. Can the guys keep to their vows and how will the Princess and her ladies respond to being barred on arrival?

This is a rarely staged play but there’s lots of hallmark Shakespeare comedy here: character mix-ups, lovers in disguise, quirky (and convoluted) subplots. Director Indiana Lown-Collins draws on her Spanish roots for this adaptation and several actors have Spanish heritage.

British-Spanish actress Norah Lopez Holden is impressive as the Princess, carrying the role with a mix of dignity, lightness and (when needed) emotional heft. One of my favourite scenes was the bullfight dance: a powerful, allegorical duet between Princess and “bull” (Pablo Egea), showing both the spectacle and the brutality of the controversial bloodsport. 

Leading man Ned Costello commands the stage like a king — which makes it even funnier when he’s reduced to a crawling wreck from lusting after the Princess. The play becomes increasingly farcical (and genuinely hilarious) as each of the men crumbles under the weight of their pent-up desire. The women tease, the men grovel, and the audience hoots with laughter. Seriously, I couldn’t stop giggling at several points.

Shakespeare does get saucy and this production is quite naughty, so bear this in mind if you’re bringing younger ones along. It’s PG-rated though and there’s plenty for kids to enjoy: snappy rom-com banter, Katie Lias’ costumes and giant masks, Russian dancing, and hip shaking to Despacito and Livin’ La Vida Loca!

Love’s Labours Lost at Shakespeare’s Globe is a proper crowd-pleaser. What I loved most is that the musical element is more than just window dressing. The passion and power plays blend seamlessly and you will come away with a renewed appreciation for both Shakespeare and flamenco.

The show finished with another rousing dance sequence and a clapping and stomping ovation. Sombreros off to the cast and production team for a joyful evening out. *****

Love’s Labours Lost at Shakespeare’s Globe is at Shakespeare’s Globe. Suitable for ages 7+ (PG for some language/content/stage blood), all under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. Various shows at 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2pm (Wed & Sat), 1pm & 6.30pm (Sun); tickets £88–£28 (includes transaction fee)/standing £5-£10/Friday 11am rush tickets £5 for standing shows the following week (until Sep 13)

*press review