It should surprise no-one that a show based around German humour will refer frequently to sausages. But if you take away this gimmick from German Humour Goes Global, and ignore for a moment the leather-clad chaps and yodelling, what's left is a unique and quite brilliant comedy experience.
Henning Wehn and Otto Kuhnle give themselves the unenviable task of convincing audience that there really is something to German humour, and set about outlining the ingredients required for humorous world domination. There are elements of Morecambe and Wise in this duo's performance: a good team performing well-written sketches with a true adherence to showmanship. Certainly, Eric Morecambe's spirit seems alive and well in Herr Kuhnle's smile, providing infectious laughter without a single word being uttered. Similarly, his abilities with a whole host of musical instruments is reminiscent of the golden age of multi-talented entertainers.
Fusing magic, acrobatics, puppetry and leaf blowers, this often takes the form of a surreal cabaret act. Yet Herr Wehn's self-knowing wit and intelligent observations on the British mentality (truly German-centred material remains surprisingly sparse) adds a further dimension. Whilst Wehn's subtle comedy occasionally seems in danger of being lost amid the razzmatazz, a fine balance is ultimately struck between dry humour and childish spectacle.
Don't be put off by any residual prejudice about Germans being unfunny – this is a great example of Fringe madness with truly global appeal.
Comments