International cabaret sensation Hans makes his very first Melbourne Fringe appearance this October.
“I meet a lot of people, and they can’t believe that I am 21. I’m pretty sure they think I’m younger, but what can I say? I’m doing the best with what I have.”
If you are at all familiar with Berlin-born cabaret and comedy superstar, Hans, you’ll know that he is a very private person who is many things, but most of all, modest. His new show, Hans: Young, Fun and 21, is touring nationally and making a stop in Melbourne as part of the Fringe Festival this October.
Melbourne Fringe Festival at Club Clocktower
- Hans: Young, Fun and 21 – Saturday, 11 October
- Peter Combe – Sunday, 19 October
- Lisztomania – Saturday, 4 October, Sunday, 5 October, Friday, 10 October, Saturday, 11 October, Saturday, 18 October, Sunday, 19 October
- Clocktower Centre, 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds
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Hans has kept much of his personal life under wraps due to the overwhelming amount of press and scrutiny thrust upon him by the media. Now, he is using his birthday party celebration, joined by his live band, The Ungrateful Bastards, and dancers, The Lucky Bitches, to set the record straight. We caught up with the superstar to learn more about the tea and why he has chosen now to spill it.
“Look, it is a party,” explains Hans. “It’s half party, half cabaret show, half documentary, and I know three halves doesn’t make mathematical sense, but go with me.”
Hans explains how, like every superstar, there have been things that have come up over the years. “People are always trying to insinuate things about me. There are people who don’t even believe that I’m German; if you believe that. So this is my chance to clear the air. I’m giving them the whole story. No lies, no spin, 100% truth. There are also a few celebrity cameos, I’ll say that.”
As a predominant Adelaidian, Hans is no stranger to a good Fringe Festival; however, almost mind-bogglingly, this will be his first appearance at Melbourne’s iteration. “I do love a Fringe. I’ve been to Melbourne for the Comedy Festival, but I’m ready to experience my first taste. What the hell have I been doing with my Octobers until now? I’m really upset at Melbourne about the Butterfly Club, though. It’s iconic, right? In terms of cabaret. So, hopefully somebody can take it over and keep it going.”
The big question, for someone as famous as Hans, would be why now? Why wait so long to really open the doors to Hans after all this time? As he explains, the milestone of a 21st birthday seemed like the right time for a refresh. “It’s really about clearing up the innuendo. People want to malign me, but I often describe myself as a kind of Meghan Markle. Just a simple girl trying to make her way in a royal world. So I’m Meghan Markle, except I’m putting on a show that is actually enjoyable.”
Hans will perform at the Clocktower Centre in Moonee Ponds, followed by a show at the Arts Centre in Frankston, a place that holds special memories due to feverish fans and crowds from past performances. “Frankston is a good time. Sometimes, I’ll do a show in Frankston, and I’ll walk out on stage, and look at the crowd and think, maybe I’ve gone on Sunrise too many times?”
Hans’ Young, Fun and 21 tour takes him through to the end of the year, before a potential return to Melbourne in 2026 for something big that he remains tight-lipped on. “I don’t want to say too much because it’s not locked in yet but what I will say about this show, and why people should come is, this will be a very good way to switch off from reality, to have a good night out, to have a laugh at yourself and sometimes at me, and look, if that hasn’t convinced you, all I’ll say is the dancers are really hot as well. I don’t want to objectify people, but even just come for them.”
Hans: Young, Fun and 21 runs as part of Melbourne Fringe on Saturday, the 11th of October at 7.30pm at the Clocktower Centre. Tickets are available now.
This article was made in partnership with the Clocktower Centre.
