Self-proclaimed sex symbol and international superstar Hans is a Berlin born accordionist and cabaret crowd pleaser who'll bring “a bit of class, and a bit of trash” to the Adelaide Fringe.
Having starred in his own productions 'Hans: In Da House', and 'Hans: Like A German', 'Viva Hans Vegas' will be show his love of America's sin city. Despite this being his first show to directly reference Vegas in the title, Hans believes the city has always been a influence.
“I think there's always been a Vegas element in my shows.Very glamorous meets trashy. It's Vegas all over and definitely me all over. I think it's always been lurking. Waiting to spring its head up. I'm not resisting anymore. I'm letting it take over.”
The 2016 Adelaide Fringe Festival is the ninth time Hans has performed, and he believes he has cemented himself an annual gig. “It's safe to say I'm rusted in. They're never going to get rid of me now. I'll be popping up yearly like a rash.”
Tongue-in-cheek is the name of the game when it comes to this German cabaret star, and this is the sentiment he portraye when speaking about his backing band, The Ungrateful Bastards, and dancers the Lucky Bitches. “At the end of the year they'll ask me what I did this year to help others and I'll say I gave these people a gig. They'll look at me like Mother Theresa, because frankly it's the biggest community service you can do. They're very fortunate to be sharing the stage with me. I did get a letter from Peter Dutton, saying he wanted to rename the dancers The Mad Fucking Witches, but I wasn't sure.”
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His band, dancers, and larger than life persona have been a staple of the Adelaide comedy and cabaret scene for the past decade. “The Adelaide comedy scene is thriving. The cabaret scene as well, with the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and the Cabaret Fringe. During Fringe time is the best time to be here. It's like a mini-Las Vegas. You can do whatever you want at any hour of the night, and then it goes back to sleepy time. I like having a little sample of Vegas and then rest.”
Hans even has a world record under his belt, having played Madonna hits for 29.5 hours on an accordion, although he's unsure if it still stands. “I believe it has already been broken in Sweden. Maybe it's something I should bring back up next year. Maybe I should play the accordion for the entire Fringe – 30 days instead of 30 hours.”
Everyone from Elton and Bette, to Cirque du Soleil and Celine will get the headfirst Hans treatment in this sparkly, hilarious satire of all things Vegas, complete with dazzling costumes, showgirl moves and his trademark sequinned hot pants. “Show girls, show boys, booze, gambling. I'll put it this way, it will be Dick Xenophon's least favourite show in the Adelaide fringe, but Jamie Briggs is going to love it.”
'Viva Hans Vegas' performs as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival at The Garden of Unearthly Delights on 16 February, also 10 & 12 March.
