Hans and Lucky Seven’s Love Boat

Matt Gilbertson has come a long way since busking with his accordion. By day he is a gossip guru for Adelaide publication The Advertiser and by night he’s the German dynamo Hans.

He has joined with the extremely talented jazz ensemble ‘Lucky Seven’ to bring his naughty act to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. With two sold-out shows, it is clear he has a strong following.

Hot pink eyeshadow, sequins from head to toe and a dodgy German accent; yes, Hans has indeed entered the arena and the audience roar with applause. We are privileged to join the love boat and explore several corny songs related to the high seas.

Gilbertson’s alter ego is likeable and bawdy and sashays through the audience chatting like he is in a room with old friends. This gay icon is hilarious in his delivery. Foul-mouthed and suggestive at times, he pushes his racy humour to the limit.

‘Lucky Seven’ were a welcome inclusion, entertaining the crowd with old favourites and original compositions and allowing time for Hans to re-appear in several jaw-dropping ensembles. Tight spandex hot pants, feather boas and even more sequins-there was to be only one queen in this room.

Gilbertson AKA Hans is not content with conquering suburbia. He has set his sights on the United States, recently appearing on ‘America’s Got Talent’.

With a warm response to his outrageous act, it seems his sequined star is destined to shine bright for years to come.

Kerry Cooper

More Adelaide Cabaret Festival reviews