Hans – A night at the SYMPH-honey 17/03/2022 – Thebarton Theatre It has been quite a number of years since this self proclaimed international superstar who could have been a flight attendant burst on to the stage. From the Weimar room in Hindley Street, to Grand Finalist on America’s Got Talent, The Champions and beyond, it seems there is no stopping our very own Hans the German. Much has been said about Hans aka Matt Gilbertson and you either like him or you don’t.
One can’t argue that he has won many awards for Cabaret in Fringe and has continued to get national tv exposure on programs like Sunrise on Channel 7. I came along to the 2000 seat Thebarton Theatre with the other 1999 people to see if this was just another fringe show or something different. Adelaide audiences are well known for being difficult to please and while Hans performs with so much confidence this was a big ask.
Hans had all the answers. An 18 piece orchestra, gorgeous back up singers, hunky male dancers in tiny shorts, a grand piano and some of the best sound and lighting production (Novatech) that a performer could ask for. A dazzling array of costumes (made by his Mum) and while Hans would probably not agree, his voice was sounding better than ever. I think this was largely due to the arrangements of songs specifically for him by Sean Timms, Musical Director and the well rehearsed Adelaide based orchestra/band. Now to the show itself.
Opening with Beyonce and working his way through a scrapbook of female banger songs like Locomotion, Vogue, Dancing Queen and McArthur Park, there were no dips. Hans was able to completely captivate his audience particularly with his rapid fire adlib one liners often at the expense of Gloria, Suzanne or Alex, random audience members with whom he playfully engaged.
A few technical glitches did nothing to take the shine off the marvel that is Hans the German. The string section was a welcome addition to the already phenomenal band (The Ungrateful Bastards).
A night at the SYMPH-Honey could easily fill the Festival Theatre and is not only best of fringe for 2022, but should be playing in Las Vegas. Hans the German is the complete package; singer, classically trained pianist, hilarious comedian and sometimes tap dancer. Hans is an all round entertainer that is worth every cent of the ticket price. The show was glitz, glamour, hilarious adlib, iconic songs and slick choreography.
With 3 more shows (Friday night, Saturday matinee and Saturday evening) at Thebarton Theatre, book now or you will miss the show everyone will be talking about. Hans - A night at the SYMP-Honey is a five star triumph in entertainment and my pick for best of Fringe 2022. 5 stars
Reviewer – Stephen Foenander Adelaide Review Team
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