The reviews are in for Flamenc Oh!!, the Spanish company Yllana’s flamenco comedy, which opened at the Peacock Theatre on 30 September for a short run to 10 October after its Edinburgh Fringe debut. Made with Sadler’s Wells and choreographed by Carlos Chamorro, the 80-minute show follows a flamenco family whose strict patriarch (David Bastidas) is shaken up by the arrival of a new guitarist (Luis Gallo), with Raquel Ortega, Raúl Ortega and Anabel Moreno completing the clan. The critics agree the dancing and the musicianship are first-rate. They split over everything wrapped around it: A Young(ish) Perspective calls it a family-friendly masterpiece and The Live Review cannot recommend it enough, while Everything Theatre, The Spy in the Stalls and All That Dazzles would rather the company danced more and clowned less.
The verdict: nine reviews in so far. Seven carry a rating: one four-star notice, two at three and a half stars and four three-star, an average of 3.3 out of 5. All That Dazzles and The Live Review publish no score. Every critic admires the dancing, and several single out Luis Gallo’s guitar; what divides them is the slapstick and the constant invitations to clap along, which The Live Review loves and The Spy in the Stalls, All That Dazzles and The Reviews Hub feel get in the way of the flamenco.
What are critics saying about Flamenc Oh!!?
A Young(ish) Perspective
"Telenovela melodrama meets fiery flamenco in this spectacular family-friendly masterpiece"
"The flamenco itself is a tour de force. This is important as they have a huge stage to fill for just five people, but the initial steps of the marjade lead seamlessly into the emotion of the percussive footwork known as zapateado, and eventually the mellifluous arm and hand movements known as braceo/floreo. Use of costume including the shawl (mantón) and the traditional dress (bata de cola) all add to the finesse of traditional elements required of the dance. It is a wonderful experience that lingers long after the show finishes. The cast are all exceptionally talented in their respective crafts."
LouReviews
Reviewer: Louise Penn
"Behind the games there is a genuine love of the flamenco form, which will delight aficionados while proving accessible to those new to the traditions. A voice-over keeps us on side between scenes. Did I think I would be singing lines from “Purple Rain” at a flamenco show? No, but that’s what Flamenc-Oh!! provides."
Red Bus Londinium
"Underneath the humour is a warm message. Families can honour their heritage alongside making changes. Good can be found in the old but it need not be at the expense of the new. This is dance comedy, not pure dance, so is not a night for a flamenco purist. For someone who is after warm-hearted fun, packaged up with some true flamenco talent, there is much to enjoy. Stay for the curtain call which will have you dancing in the aisles before you head out into the night."
The Reviews Hub
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
"The moments that do include flamenco are brilliantly performed with passion, energy and precision; Carlos Chamorro’s choreography and Tatiana de Sarabia’s beautiful and vibrant costumes ensure that each routine is mesmerising and enjoyable. There are some fun showcases of the dance, such as the boxing ring with Ortega and Moreno having a dance-off, or Moreno trying to gain Gallo’s attention, and the final scene is packed with energy and fun, leaving a great lasting impression."
Everything Theatre
"A flamenco romp featuring superb dancers, a terrific guitarist, a wonderful singer, and enough audience participation to test your patience."
Reviewer: Alan Fitter
"Having said all that, David Bastidas, as the patriarch, has a superb voice and wears a dress with considerable aplomb. The three dancers, Raquel Ortega, Anabel Moreno and Raúl Ortega, are excellent (if only we’d seen more of them), and that’s coming from someone who isn’t exactly first in the queue for flamenco. Luis Gallo is a wonderful guitarist, equally impressive when playing traditional music or rocking out with more contemporary sounds."
The Spy in the Stalls
Reviewer: Elizabeth Botsford
"Flamenc-Oh!! starts strong. Carlos Chamorro’s choreography displays the performers’ wonderful talents. David Bastidas sings and struts as the patriarch, hat and cane at the ready. Raquel Ortega is commanding as the matriarch in a black dress. Their young adult children, Anabel Moreno, flaming in red, and Raúl Ortega hammer the floor with real authority. Luis Gallo is the long-haired guitarist, newly returned from travelling the world. His guitar playing is a marvel, fast and exact. The first stretch seems to be building a show with a pulse."
Read Elizabeth Botsford’s full review at The Spy in the Stalls
London Box Office
Reviewer: Eve Jawara
"The heart of this show is the dancing itself, which is unforgettable. Raquela Ortega, Raúl Ortega, and Anabel Moreno each showcased an incredible skill, resulting in cheers and applause from those watching. Their performances were beautifully complemented by the guitar playing and singing from Luis Gallo and David Bastidas. Whether you are a flamenco expert or a flamenco newbie, you will find that the talent in this show is undeniable."
All That Dazzles
Reviewer: Patrick Shorrock
"Unfortunately, the production does not stop there, indulging in broad physical humour and feeble slapstick. The show’s heavy-handed title rather gives the game away. I felt that the passionate intensity and focus of flamenco was undermined by a restless desire to send it up. Having the amplified footsteps continue on the soundtrack after the dancer has stopped walking is only slightly funny the first time and not even that when it is repeated. I would much rather this hugely talented company simply danced than tried so hard to be funny."
The Live Review
Reviewer: Tanya Howard
"The performances were next level. These are genuinely world-class flamenco dancers and musicians, and the skill on display was jaw-dropping and chin-wobbling. It’s one thing to be an amazing dancer and performer; it’s another, much harder skill to be genuinely funny, and every single person in this cast has fantastic comedic chops. The clowning, the timing, the physical humour, it was all spot on."
Production photographs by Pablo Lorente.
For more dance this week, read our roundups of Pam Tanowitz Dance’s Pastoral at the Barbican and Northern Ballet’s Three Short Ballets at the Linbury Theatre.
Flamenc Oh!! is booking at the Peacock Theatre until 10 October 2026.
