REVIEW: 2Flamenco, TUFLAMENCO, EdFringe 2026 ★★★

Flamenco may have found its roots in Andalucía but beneath the Argyle bar in the leafy streets of Edinburgh, Flamenco has found a second home. This is your traditional flamenco experience, with all the usual flicks of the wrist, all the classic moves but with a special piece of charm from Danielo Olivera. While this all does feel a little touristy at points and a tad unoriginal, 2Flamenco is a high-spirited celebration in Edinburgh.  

The performance provides nothing but joy to the audience; we are transported through fandangos, to passionate clapping, to singing about feminism and the rain(!) in an original song improvised by Olivera during the show. It is a production that makes you want to dance, and clap along to the music.

Olivera emphasises that this is a show which grants him a kind of therapy, and this does have an outward effect. He makes the audience feel comfortable in the space, and we leave with a keen appreciation for the glory of Flamenco, moved by the clack of Jara Perez’ feet on the floor. We feel the sounds resonate through you and are forced to move alongside. It is a refreshing performance.  

Things move with a slightly crazy, whacky momentum. The two performers are bounding with energy when they enter the stage and crack jokes left, right and centre. Olivera knows how to entice his guests in and work with a crowd. As he strums wildly at his strings, he springs from piece to piece with glorious talent. His small jokes and abundance of energy is joyful, and infectious.

However, there does seem to be some limitations to this. Sometimes his energy is so mighty that he makes the performance feel a little plastic and false. 2Flamenco needs an angling; it needs to be more specific with the meaning behind it to avoid this falseness. What we do gain, however, is an understanding about this high-tempo Hispanic music style. The performers create a spectacle which is an easy watch, and you learn about a variety of music styles, all done with a smile.  

Olivera tries to get us involved throughout the show, too. He is keen for the audience to sway, clap along and cheer “Olé!” This is a beautiful addition, which should trigger widespread involvement, and does at points. However, the audience is a little tentative and eventually we lose enthusiasm: it becomes a demonstration, not a communal experience. 

Jara Perez moves like a proud beacon, sailing across the stage. She steals the show, as Olivera’s voice is a little tired at points though still powerful and emboldening. The true glory comes through Perez — lighting up the room.  

Recommended Drink: Spicy Margarita

Performances of 2Flamenco have now concluded at EdFringe 2026.