Captivating and clever musical Copla: A Spanish Cabaret comes to The Other Palace 

Copla is for anyone that feels in between. It’s existed in between political factions, it expressed passions in between lovers, it’s been written in between countries… and now I am placing it in between cultures, in between you and me. 

Offering an international renaissance of Spanish Copla folk music, the critically acclaimed HisPanic Breakdown will bring their mesmerising Copla: A Spanish Cabaret to The Other Palace. This incredible production sees the first English translation of Copla music performed in the UK, as queer migrant performer Alejandro Postigo brings the wow-factor through his rebirth into his fabulous alter ego, La Gitana. Once repressed under the Spanish dictatorship, Copla music was transformed by Spanish drag artists in the 1980s, and is given new life in Alejandro’s interactive solo performance. Drawing upon his personal experiences, this electrifying performance of English Copla will enthral audiences from across the globe. 

 Accompanied by vibrant live music and brimming with comedy, the show will refresh Copla music to create an inclusive, comprehensive and accessible space for audiences of all backgrounds. The translated Copla music will channel queer and migrant experiences, hitting all the right notes for those who love to laugh and cry to divas and their melodramatic music. Alejandro Postigo’s dynamic cabaret subtly explores current issues of cultural and sexual identity in an entertaining way: being in-between genders, living in-between countries, and belonging to none for survival in a globalized society. This provocative production goes far beyond the Spanish twentieth-century zeitgeist of Copla to offer audiences an evening filled with laughter and music. 

Copla: A Spanish Cabaret has previously existed as both a musical and a solo production. In 2023, HisPanic Breakdown redeveloped the show as a cabaret and showcased it at four UK theatre festivals that champion LGBTQ+, Spanish theatre, new work and European theatre. In May 2024, Copla: A Spanish Cabaret received the Intercultural Dialogue Award at the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. 

Director Sergio Maggiolo comments, Copla is music that fights for our right to be ourselves in an authoritarian world. In fascist Spain, queer people, women, and ethnic minorities, found community and resistance in Copla songs. In this lecture-cabaret-fantasia we dive into the dramatic world of Copla through the performer’s personal story, revealing its subversive power and inviting us to connect with the folkloric diva within us all. 

Producer Scott Folan adds, I was absolutely captivated when I first saw this show in 2023. It’s a stunning celebration of queer culture and a heartfelt exploration of what it means to feel like an outsider. This is storytelling at its finest – raw, beautiful, and utterly transformative. 

YASS met Alejandro Postigo, the writer and performer in Copla: A Spanish Cabaret, and here is everything you need to know.

What is Copla and who is it for?

Copla is a Spanish music genre that’s packed with passion and drama. It was born in the 20th century and became a voice for people who were exiled or silenced, especially during Franco’s dictatorship. This show brings Copla to life for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t fit in—LGBTQ+ folks, migrants, or anyone curious about exploring a beautiful, emotional slice of Spanish culture. It’s for anyone who loves a good story and powerful music.

This production sees the first English translation of Copla music performed in the UK. What shall we expect to see?

You’ll experience a vibrant blend of live music, storytelling, and audience interaction. I guide you through the songs, bringing humour, sass, and raw emotion. Copla is dramatic, heartfelt, and completely unique—I hope you’ll leave with your heart full, and your mind opened.

How do you feel as a queer migrant performer giving life to your alter ego, La Gitana?

La Gitana is like my fearless side. She’s bold, campy, and unapologetic, and through her, I get to explore parts of my identity in a way that feels liberating. Her name is a tribute to a demographic that has been glorified and persecuted in Spanish culture, a good vehicle to celebrate queer identity and resilience through the lens of Copla.

How do you feel when you are on stage?

It’s exhilarating. Sharing these songs and stories feels like sharing a piece of my soul. When I see the audience reacting—whether they’re laughing, crying, or simply reflecting—it’s a reminder of why I do this. The stage becomes a space of connection and authenticity.

Copla music has a huge legacy as during the Spanish dictatorship, Copla music was transformed by Spanish drag artists in the 1980s. How great is your responsibility and how do you transfer this heritage through your artistry?

It’s a big responsibility, but also an honour. A big part of Copla has been about giving a voice to the marginalized, and my job is to carry that legacy forward. By translating it into English and weaving in my own queer migrant experiences, I’m hoping it stays relevant and powerful for today’s audiences.

How do you explore current issues of cultural and sexual identity in your performance?

The show dives into what it means to live between cultures and identities—being both queer and a migrant, and navigating those intersections. Through the music and storytelling, I invite the audience to explore the complexities of belonging, resilience, and finding strength in difference. It’s serious, but it’s also playful and deeply human.

What would you say to people who will be exposed for Copla music for the first time in this celebration of Spanish queer culture?

I’d say, come with an open mind and be ready for a journey! Copla is full of drama, emotion, and beauty. It’s not just music; it’s a connection to history, culture, and the queer experience. You’ll laugh, cry, and leave with a new appreciation for something truly unique.

“Copla: A Spanish Cabaret” has previously existed as both a musical and a solo production and has received acclaimed reviews. How does that make you feel?

It feels amazing. Knowing that something so personal resonates with audiences across cultures and languages is incredibly validating. It’s been a long journey, but each version of the show has been a step forward, and I’m proud of how far it’s come.

Will we see something different this time?

Definitely! This version brings a fresh energy with new music, costumes, and an interactive cabaret format. It’s the most immersive iteration yet, pulling the audience right into the heart of the story.

How is the British audience different to other audiences?

British audiences bring a unique curiosity and openness, especially when discovering something outside their cultural frame of reference. For many, Copla feels both familiar and new—it shares the emotional intensity of musical theatre or the storytelling depth of torch songs, but with a distinctly Spanish flair. They connect quickly to the drama, humour, and vulnerability in the performance, even if the genre is completely fresh to them. Watching them embrace Copla’s passion and legacy, often comparing it to traditions they already love, is very rewarding.

What are your future plans?

After The Other Palace run, I’m aiming to take the show to Edinburgh Fringe and international festivals. My goal is to continue sharing Copla as a platform for queer migrant stories and to connect with audiences in ways that inspire, educate, and entertain.

https://theotherpalace.co.uk/copla-a-spanish-cabaret/ 

Dates 14th -26th January (not Monday 20th) 

Location The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5JA