Presented by Yllana / Suzanna Rosenthal Productions
Review by Dominic Corr
Drama. Lust. Dance. Heels. These are the elements of true flamenco. And there is a glorious, infectious irreverence stomping at the being of Flamenc Oh!!, a high-energy collaboration between Spanish theatrical provocateurs Yllana and Sadler’s Wells. Bringing the fiery, rhythm-driven artistry of Andalusian heritage into collision with the melodramatic tropes of a telenovela, this production delivers an hour that is equal parts technical masterclass and delightfully absurd comedy.
The narrative centres on an unyielding, traditionalist family patriarch attempting to preserve his art form in absolute purity. His tyrannical grip begins to slip with the arrival of a renegade guitarist who boldly weaves rock and pop sensibilities into classic footwork and acoustic arrangements. What follows is a riotous generational clash. The performers continuously parody the hyper-intense postures, seductive hair-flips, and dramatic stomping of traditional flamenco, elevating these iconic gestures into physical comedy without ever trivialising the immense skill required to execute them. And that’s the key element here: a respect for the tradition, while examining the future.
Musically and physically, the talent on display inside the Music Hall is extraordinary. The footwork is crisp, the vocalists deliver raw, earth-shattering power, and the live guitar work is so expressive it feels like a character in its own right. Unexpected pop mash-ups and audience singalongs – including a surprisingly tender collective rendition of classic rock ballads – bridge the gap between stage and auditorium, creating a communal atmosphere of pure celebration.
If the show has a vulnerability, it lies in its episodic structure. The overarching narrative occasionally feels like a collection of brilliantly executed sketches rather than a seamlessly integrated, linear play, causing the dramatic momentum to fluctuate slightly between numbers. Yet, these structural hiccups do little to dampen the sheer joy of the evening. Flamenc Oh!! manages to honour heritage while dismantling its rigidity, offering a vibrant, big-hearted, and wildly entertaining spectacle that leaves the room buzzing long after the final bow and with fire in their belly.
Wildly Entertaining Spectacle
Flamenc Oh!! runs at venue 20, Music Hall at Assembly Rooms at 14:15
Running time – Sixty minutes without interval
Review by Dominic Corr (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Editor of Corr Blimey, and a freelance critic for Scottish publications, Dominic has been writing freelance for several established and respected publications such as BBC Radio Scotland, The List, The Scotsman, Edinburgh Festival Magazine, The Reviews Hub, In Their Own League, The Wee Review and Edinburgh Guide. As of 2023, he is a member of the Critic’s Award for Theatre Scotland (CATS) and a member of the UK Film Critics.
