LIFELONG FLAMENCO FAN OR JUST FLAMEN-CURIOUS, THIS BRILLIANTLY ENTERTAINING SHOW HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

By Emma Carney | Bunny Pudding · Digital Coven · @bunnyscopes ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

I went into Flamenc Oh!! not really knowing what to expect… Flamenco and comedy? Two of my favourite things… Interesting! For sure, I wasn’t prepared for just how brilliantly it would blend the two. From the moment the show kicked off from within the audience and then the full cast took the stage, it was clear this was something special.

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.

It felt like a Spanish pantomime, lovingly sending up the traditions of flamenco while also celebrating them and presenting them in a very polished fashion. This isn’t a parody; it’s an irreverent tribute, and you can feel the respect for the art form underneath every joke.

What I loved most was how accessible it all was. You genuinely don’t need to know anything about flamenco to enjoy this show. The humour is broad and physical, the storytelling is clear, and the emotional beats land no matter where you’re from. There were a few moments where a young child in the audience let out genuine squeals of glee and laughter at some of the skits, and the whole audience and even the performers almost let out a collective “aww.”

That pretty much sums up the spirit of the evening and the level of audience participation… we were in this together! There are also some really beautiful moments of inclusivity woven into the show that I won’t spoil, but trust me, there may be a few emotional tears as the show celebrates all people, and we love them for it.

The story follows a flamenco family as the younger generation starts to challenge the old rules, with unexpected musical mashups, madcap moments, and surprising role reversals. It’s bursting with passion, humour, and dazzling dance. The choreography, the costumes, the lighting, and the music were all fabulous. Sadly, the hour flew by, and by the end my hands were sore from clapping along and I was certainly screaming a few Olés!

Whether you’re a lifelong flamenco fan or just Flamen-curious, this brilliantly entertaining show has something for everyone. It made me laugh, it made me clap, and it even made me tear up a little. I’d happily sit through it again and again…I can’t recommend it enough. Olé!

Flamenc Oh!! is running at Peacock Theatre until Saturday 10 October.

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Photo Credit: Pablo Lorente