Hans – Like A German: Like A Breath Of Fresh Vienna Mountain Air ~ Adelaide Fringe 2019 Review

Gluttony – The Octagon, Wed 13 Mar. [CABARET/COMEDY ~ SA] Going to a Hans show is like ingesting a euphoric breath of fresh Vienna mountain air. The opening number and reworked iconic footage from the Sound Of Music invoke an anticipated sense of fun. Hans (a.k.a. Matt Gilbertson) bursts onstage riding a scooter with all the flair of a Vegas act, as the three-member saxophone section march from the back of the venue with smiles resonating. The repertoire cleverly incorporates disco numbers to selections from German theatre maestros Brecht and Weill, plus a hilarious camped-up Polka medley of Aussie rock anthems. Backed by an outstanding 7-piece band, The Ungrateful Bastards, once you endure three horribly out of tune (and side-splittingly funny) recorders play the Celine Dion classic you’ll never be able to listen to the Titanic theme in the same way! Hans: Like A German is exceptionally well-paced, and embeds clips from his America’s Got Talent appearance (and subsequent barrage of outrageous on-line comments) with a surplus of on-stage antics full of colour, multiple costume changes and bling. Gilbertson is a total showman and works the crowd like the well-seasoned comedian and entertainer he is. With boundless energy and dripping with as much talent as the glistening perspiration from his output, Gilbertson manages to successfully traverse the tricky slope between taunting his unsuspecting audience with cheeky and naughty banter, and safely retrieving them from the edge of discomfort. Gregarious from the outset, Hans may be irreverent but he is also enormously generous, and remains ever respectful to his participants, especially those who volunteered to get frocked up as his male back up dancers. Drawing from a plethora of inspiration and talent Hans tap-dances, sings, plays accordion, and pulls out a blisteringly fast piano rendition of Flight Of The Bumblebee, and still he manages to do the splits – yes, darlings he is indeed still fabulous! One of the most refreshingly joyous and smile-worthy shows of Fringe 2019! 5 stars Jenna Bonavita Hans: Like A German continues at Gluttony – The Octagon from 6.30 until Sun 17 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe #GluttonyFringe