Flamenco show in Madrid: my experience at Essential Flamenco

Visiting a flamenco tablao might seem like a touristy thing to do, especially if you're Spanish. But the passion and intensity these shows convey mean I enjoy them whenever I get the chance. On my last visit to Madrid, I decided to experience Essential Flamenco, and in this article I share my thoughts on this incredible show.

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Essential Flamenco at a glance

• What it is: a pure flamenco show (no microphones) in a 19th-century cave.
• Where: Sala Torero, Calle de la Cruz 26 (Sol metro), next to Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.
• Shows: 18:00, 19:30 and 21:00, every day.
• Price: from around €40 (varies by show); includes a welcome drink.
• Duration: around 1 hour.
• Age: from 5 years (not wheelchair accessible).
• Ideal for: those after authentic, up-close flamenco.

A charming setting

The first thing that struck me on entering was the elegance of the place. The décor in greens and golds creates a cosy, nostalgic atmosphere, as if you'd travelled back in time. Before the show starts, you can enjoy a welcome drink included in the ticket, choosing between sangria, beer or a soft drink. It's an ideal way to relax and soak up the atmosphere before the show.

Then we headed to the historic vaulted cave where the show takes place. This space, dating from 1850, is designed to offer unbeatable acoustics.

The origins of flamenco

Before the show begins, there's a short talk about the origins of flamenco. I didn't know this art has its roots in India: it was the Roma people who, after emigrating to Spain centuries ago, brought their dances and songs, fusing them with other Spanish musical styles. As the saying goes, you never stop learning something new!

Flamenco in its purest form

The artists' energy is felt in an authentic, pure way. The stage, though small, lets you see the artists up close. The show is directed by El Mistela, winner of the National Flamenco Criticism Award, and his personal touch shows in every movement of the performers. What struck me most about Essential Flamenco was its commitment to authenticity. With no microphones or speakers, the spotlight falls entirely on the artists. In the small tablao, every stamp of a shoe, every guitar chord and every quejío (cry) of the singer resonates with an indescribable force.

The show lasts approximately around an hour and is an experience that engages all the senses.

Times and tickets

Essential Flamenco offers three shows a day:

• First show: 18:00
• Second show: 19:30
• Third show: 21:00

Ticket prices vary by time, with fares from €38.

What the ticket includes:

• A welcome drink (sangria, beer or a soft drink)
• An informative talk about the origins of flamenco
• A live flamenco show (1 hour long)

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Tips and more information

• Book in advance: places are limited and the show is very popular, so it's advisable to book ahead.
• Arrive early: although entry is quick, arriving early lets you enjoy the drink and the atmosphere beforehand at your leisure.
• Don't take a drink down into the vault: the space is small, and you won't be comfortable during the show.
• Live in the moment: flamenco is pure passion. Relax, enjoy and let yourself be carried away by the music and the artists' energy.
• Accessibility: bear in mind the venue is not accessible for wheelchair users.
• Minimum age: from 5 years.

Location

Essential Flamenco is at the Sala Torero, in the very heart of the capital, a few steps from Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol (Sol metro).

Address: Calle de la Cruz 26, 28012 Madrid

Can you go with kids?

Yes, Essential Flamenco admits children from age 5, so it's an unusual and very special family plan. That said, it's an intimate show of just over an hour, with no microphones and the artists an arm's length away: it works best with kids who like music and can sit quietly for a while. The closeness — every foot-stamp and every quejío is felt in your body — tends to captivate them as much as the adults. Bear in mind the room is an underground cave and isn't wheelchair accessible.

Is it worth it?

If you fancy an authentic flamenco experience in Madrid, Essential Flamenco is one of the best tablaos in the city. The quality of the show, the story told before the performance and the closeness to the artists make it a unique experience that lets you feel the passion of flamenco in its purest form.

And for more of Madrid, there is the Museum of Illusions and rowing a boat in the Retiro.