Spanish dance company Ylana, who brought the hilarious Opera Locos to our misty shores, has now created a new show titled Flamenc Oh! This show is a beautiful expression of the passions of Flamenco whilst also reflecting on the divides between flamenco purists who despise change and those who wish to push flamenco to new dancing heights. This is also the first of hopefully many collaborations with Sadlers Wells to bring the wonder of Spanish dance to the West End.

Carlos Chamorro’s choreography is stunning, warm and full of life. In this show we meet a famous flamenco family where the adult son and daughter are vying for the white cane of flamenco which is passed down through the generations. From the stern papa learning to embrace his inner verity, his mystical wife, the romantic returning cousin of the hapless son and the ambitious daughter, we see them all growing and learning their way through life. The plot meanders and flutters along, with plenty of audience interaction and guitar solos, including not only classic flamenco tunes but also Flashdance and Purple Rain. Above all we see their sincere love for each other, their respect for the art of flamenco and their joy in the dance. The cast of David Bastidas, Raquel Ortega, Raúl Ortega, Anabel Moreno and Luis Gallo are all brilliant and dynamic performers. Their group chemistry together was wholesome, hilarious and fabulously captivating.

Tatiana de Sarabia’s costumes are beautifully detailed and vivid. They use castanets, polka dots, stunning dresses and sharply stylish suits, brilliantly merging traditional and new flamenco styles. Carlos Brayda’s vibrant set wonderfully captures the sultry Spanish air and brings its warmth to the stage. Juani González Vega’s lighting was fun but the constant raising of the lights on the mid stalls, followed quickly by blackouts was slightly painful on tired eyes. The show is a brilliant introduction to the world of Flamenco for those who are new to this beautiful dance form but also a hilarious homage to those who already know and love the form. This is a difficult balance to find yet Ylana and the cast showcase it effortlessly. The 80 minutes run time without an interval flows in a gentle pace, with many beautiful examples of different famous flamenco dances and a sweetly gentle storyline which made the audience laugh and aww loudly.

This is a wholesome and fabulous flamenco night out which is the perfect transition from summer heat to autumn coziness. If you enjoy light-hearted, fun and relaxing nights out and wish to learn the magic of flamenco then this is the perfect show for you.

★★★★

Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic, September 2026.

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