Review by Anthony Grzyb

Don’t hassle this ‘Hitlerhoff’! Directed by Erin Kelly, this play is filled with all the off-the-wall zaniness one might expect from a tale that fuses the lives of both David Hasselhoff and Adolf Hitler!

The character of Hitlerhoff, while not a direct representation of the aforementioned individuals, has much in common with them – right down to the desire of world domination, and red Speedos! Set in the fictional ‘Austria-lia’, one cannot help but get caught up in the post-modern hilarity of “Hitlerhoff”.

While not for all tastes, this black comedy written by Tom Doig is witty and satirical. But it is the performances that instantly grab one’s attention. Tobias Manderson-Galvin, in the role of Hitlerhoff, is galvanizing; he portrays both the troubled youngster and adult Hitlerhoff with fierce assurance, while also giving a fine madcap performance.

Fellow cast members, Georgina Andrews and Joel Davey, play Hitlerhoff’s parents. In addition, each engages in rapid-fire costume changes playing an assortment of entertaining characters without misfire, that Hitlerhoff meets along his journey.

Yet, “Hitlerhoff” is not simply a ‘flight of fancy’, rather it asks tough questions on our perception of contemporary power, and the power we all hold in society for good, evil or banality.

Special mention must go to the inventive video projection with sequences by Anto Skene and Puck Murphy that further the play thematically.

“Hitlerhoff” gets under the skin and one can’t help but ponder the show’s meanings long into the night!

If you enjoy your theatre avant garde, or are a pop culture buff – don’t miss this memorable Fringe performance.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

http://www.theatreguide.com.au/current_site/reviews/reviews_detail.php?ShowID=hitlerhoff&ShowYear=2009

Hitlerhoff, Queens Theatre, Tue Mar 10

Hitlerhoff, writer Tom Doig’s enigmatic fusing of pop culture hero David Hasselhoff and history’s greatest monster Adolf Hitler, is a theatre experience that is somewhat akin to a herd of charging rhinoceros. It’s loud, it’s constantly in your face, it’s more than a little bit evil and to top it off it’s also sickeningly hilarious. Tobias Manderson-Galvin, who plays the production’s titular hero, is relentlessly funny at times and soiled-underpants-scary at others, bringing an intensity to the role that such an over the top character begs for. Georgina Andrews and Joel Davey do not disappoint either, each of them breathing life into a ridiculous horde of characters throughout the production’s hour-long runtime. Hitlerhoff is offensive, sure, but it also features an unflinching and important message that’ll hit you like a verbal kick to the genitals. And call me a Commie thespian if you must, but I loved every second of it.

Liam Sharrad

http://www.ripitup.com.au/latest_reviews

“Clever, funny and outrageous” – The Age

“Laugh out loud and cringe with disgust” – Artshub

“It’s loud, it’s constantly in your face, it’s more than a little bit evil and to top it off it’s also sickeningly hilarious … I loved every second of it” – Rip It Up

“Don’t miss this memorable Fringe performance” – Adelaide Theatre Guide

“Seemed like a great idea at the time” – Advertiser

Hitlerhoff is taking a break for now. But if you want him to come to your glamorous small town or obscure overseas fringe festival, email him: hitlerhoff (at) gmail.com, and we can talk about it.

Don’t worry I’ve been released by Airport Security, Officials , Channel 7, Tiger Airways Staff and the Australian Federal Police – by Tobias Manderson-Galvin

“Tobias Manderson-Galvin has been called many things. Most too foul or humorous to print in what is a serious piece of journalistic prose. But a terrorist?

the offending package

PHOTO BY MAX MILNE

Well, yes there was that incident back in 2003 involving the poetry but it is better not to discuss it again when more pressing issues are at hand.

Yesterday at around one in the afternoon, Melbourne time, a set of fake explosives was discovered in Manderson-Galvin’s luggage as he attempted to board a flight to Adelaide.

“It looks like the real deal,” said an obviously stressed Federal Police officer into his hand held radio as he called for back-up. The Federal Police were urgently summonsed by an alert and alarmed swarm of security personnel, airport staff and a Channel Seven film crew who were simply amazed that anyone could be so daring and so handsome as our young hero.

The device he was carrying is a prop – or so Manderson-Galvin claims – for the smash-hit stage show, Tom Doig’s ‘Hitlerhoff’. The revolutionary show is yet to open to the Adelaide Fringe and already it seems that government saboteurs could well be at work. The explosive has been confiscated permanently by the Federal Police but they have as yet made no official statement to the media as what will happen to the 9 pieces of wood painted red, the 4 inches of aluminium wire and the shiny silver alarm clock. Presumably it will be relegated to a cupboard or storeroom with legitimate explosive devices and restricted articles, a condition that will make it feel either ashamed at it’s in-genuine nature or proud to have somehow, against all odds, been taken seriously by anyone other than Wile. E Coyote.

Airport security and officials, Channel 7, Tiger Airways staff and the AFP all took turns at ‘discussing’ the matter with Hitlerhoff star Manderson-Galvin as well as the show’s Director Erin Kelly. A happy irony that perhaps this was one interrogation where a strip search did not need much persuasion and all could marvel at the power of the hidden goods with wonder and excitement.

Fortunately Manderson-Galvin and Hitlerhoff Director Erin Kelly were eventually allowed on to the plane by the airline who showed great compassion in holding the plane whilst the interrogation was conducted by the Federal Police and when the stewardesses were done ‘assisting’ the Hitlerhoff star onto the plane, it eventually left the tarmac- more than an hour after its scheduled departure time.

************

… there was a Channel 7 camera crew, filming a show called Border Security or something similar. They were talking to Tobias, because he looked funny – hair in curlers, suit and bow-tie – and were filming when Tobias and Erin had to repack their carry-on baggage, because it weighed too much … when this happened, the prop “bomb” was noticed by airport staff, and all hell (well, a little bit of hell) broke loose. Tobi and Erin made it to Adelaide in time for his performance on the Pod stage – just – but they were thoroughly rattled by the whole thing. HOWEVER, in a piece of good news, Channel 7 loved the footage they got, and are going to send a camera crew to Adelaide to film us building a new bomb for opening night, and will film opening night on Tuesday 10 March for their show … 15 seconds of tragic Aussie reality TV fame, coming up!

Ladies. Gentleman. Lovers of red Speedos!

photo: Max Milne www.maxmilne.com

HITLERHOFF is returning to Melbourne for one show only, before heading off to the badlands of Adelaide.

If you missed out last time around, this is your chance!

HITLERHOFF is new, and possibly improved. Extra jokes mingle with extra darkness.

Genesis: Re-Created star Tobias Manderson-Galvin (Hitlerhoff) will be joined by Neighbours star Georgina Andrews and notorious Shakespeare buff Joel Davey, to show us why Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Reich.

“Funny, clever and outrageous” – THE AGE

“Laugh out loud and cringe with disgust” – ARTSHUB

HITLERHOFF sold out most of its three-week Melbourne Fringe run, so book early this time round! Email hitlerhoff@gmail.com to secure your tickets, at the appealing price of
$15.

WHERE: Bella Union Bar, Trades Hall
corner Lgyon St and Victoria St

WHEN: Thursday 5 March, 8pm

Stick around and have a pretzel afterwards!

HITLERHOFF posters, postcards, T-shirts and Y-fronts are available for avid collectors.

After a long and gruelling audition process, Joel Davey and Georgina Andrews have emerged triumpant as the new mummy / daddy , Rosa / Che , Pamela Andovich / Red Tide Man duo ready to take over the ‘laide.

Check out Georgie’s website – she’s hot!

Joel’s website is currently under construction.

Expect Hitlerhoff to be bigger, better, beefier – because Tobias Manderson-Galvin has been working out!

Our 2009 Adelaide Fringe Festival dates have been confirmed:

10 March – 22 March (Mondays off)

9.15pm – 10.15pm

LOCATION: Queen’s Theatre, cnr Playhouse Ln & Gilles Arcade.
The show will have extra jokes, extra darkness, and extra video elements. Oh yes.

TICKETS: $20 / $15 Thurs / Fri / Sat

$15 / $12 Tues / Weds / Sun

Book tickets at http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au/ soon!

• Hitlerhoff opening video sequence: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=dlVC_kYnEvw

• Hitlerhoff cameo at the Melbourne Fringe festival club opening night (with Baywatch dancers!): http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=30025237156&oid=20668453495

• Hitlerhoff “making-of” mockumentary (for fundraiser): http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=y4tYUiC7dp8&feature=related

• Interview with writer/producer Tom Doig about his research in Berlin: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=DiSUshvOnYI&feature=related

• The incomparable Simone Page Jones talks about auditioning for Hitlerhoff: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=p4-oB0jJpVk

• Stage manager Phoebe Waltham a few hours before the first show: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=Y386tq8BDHI&feature=related

• Costume designer Alice Swing and Tom Doig, finishing off props, arguing about the sign to put above the door: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=M4zp-QAXglI&feature=related

(this review is transcribed from RRR FM; it was broadcast on Wednesday 1 October, at 10am.)

(In the background, Keith McDougall’s cover of the Baywatch theme plays.)

“Ever considered the disturbing similarities between Hitler’s Aryan fantasies and the blonde, blue-eyed dreamworld of Baywatch? Now you can …

HITLERHOFF JUNIOR: A hero superman, with muscles like coconuts and hair like a tsunami …

MUMMY: Oh Hoffy, how visionary!

… Hitlerhoff is an adventure into pop-culture. It fuses the life story of Adolf Hitler and star David Hasselhoff. A black comedy that raises important questions about celebrity, ambition and propaganda. The opening multimedia shots will take you back to the 90s, when blondes were best, and the sun was always shining on Venice Beach. But be ready to be shocked as the play confronts and crosses boundaries.

Holocaust humour can be uncomfortable for some, but I found Hitlerhoff to be playful and quirky, with a serious message about the similarities between American imperialism, and German fascism.

Tobias Manderson-Galvin, Ezra Bix and Simone Page Jones are a stellar cast. They will take you to confusing heights of comedy and disgust. With the use of music, multimedia and a tight script, I was absolutely titillated by Hitlerhoff. This play is not for those who are easily offended, but if you enjoy poking fun at David Hasselhoff, and want to question pop-culture’s role in fascism, then I suggest booking a ticket today.

This has been Alex Grantham, for Buzzcuts.”

Hi all,

well – there are now officially 64 tickets sold, and 1 ticket left for tonight’s performance of Hitlerhoff. Saturday 11 October is sold-out. If you’ve left it too late – what a shame! However, following Hitlerhoff’s overwhelming popularity, we will be re-mounting the show – and planning interstate / overseas seasons.

You should be able to catch us at the 2009 Adelaide Fringe Festival … then the 2009 Edinburgh Festival … and hopefully in Berlin, Warsaw, Lvov … New York, San Franisco, Los Angeles … watch out!

td