Meet Aussie Matt Gilbertson, and his acclaimed alter-ego Hans, “The boy wonder of Berlin”. Let us be clear: he is not from Australia. He’s heading to Edinburgh to bring his show Like a German to UK audiences, following performances at events like the Adelaide Fringe. I spoke to Hans – again, he’s from Berlin, not Australia – about what the Scottish audiences can expect from the show he says is “a Kylie spectacular on a Dannii budget”, when he performs for them next month.
Who are you, and what is your show?
Honey, I am international superstar, sex symbol, accordionist and Berlin boy-wonder Hans. As well as being a darling of the Fringe Festival, I’m a current contestant on this year’s season of America’s Got Talent. My show at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe is Hans: Like A German.
Thematically or otherwise, what can you tell us about your show? What can people expect?
I would say honey, if you want that show that is going to make you forget about the troubles of the world and just have a damn good time, then baby I am your man!!
Have you performed it before or is it the debut?
This particular version of the show is handcrafted especially for the UK. But, you know, I really react of what’s happened in the world that week, who’s in the crowd on the night so it really does change every single time I perform. I like it like that, it makes the show a unique experience for the audience and keeps things fresh for me.
Why should audiences come see your show?
Darling, this really is a Kylie spectacular on a Dannii budget. It’s got a touch of Madonna, Marlene, Minogue and Merkel! There’s a live band, pop songs, costume changes, feathers, glitter, hotpants and accordions, but more than anything, Hans: Like A German is just the fun night out that you and your BFFs have been looking for.
Do you think being from Australia gives you an advantage in any respect at Edinburgh over, say, someone from the UK?
Honey, I am German through and through, but it’s typical of Australian to want to claim anyone who is successful as their own. They’ve done it to Russell Crowe and they’re now doing it to me. I don’t know if being Australian is a particular advantage in Edinburgh, but how would I know? After all, when you are a global sensation, adored in every corner of the world, it’s hard to gain a perspective!
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Hans: Like A German plays the Edinburgh Fringe Festival August 2-19 and the Sziget Festival in Budapest on August 12. Also, Hans is competing on this year’s season of America’s Got Talent which airs in the US on NBC, in the UK on Netflix and in Australia on FOX8! For tickets and more details about the Fringe shows, head HERE. For more about Hans, head to his official website.
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