Review: ADELAIDE FRINGE 2016: HANS AND WILLSY: TWINS Is Filled With Wit As Sparkling And Bright As Their Sequins

Reviewed by Christine Pyman, Friday 19th February 2016

Hans & Willsy: Twins, features Anne Wills and Hans, the German boy wonder. Anticipation ran high even before the grand entrance into The Showroom at the GC, and they didn't disappoint. These two beloved Adelaide icons lit up the stage with their inimitable presence, charming an already wowed audience with sparkles, sequins, high heels, good legs, and lippy, not to mention sheer talent.

Both Anne Wills and Hans are consummate professionals, and the idea of bringing them together, although initially startling, works wonderfully well. Together they rocked the leggy look, whilst harmonising in tone and wit. The gorgeous and (almost) tall couple covered duets, starting with Don't Go Breaking My Heart, took us though a bit of Fred Astaire, then into a Hans solo act, including traditional cabaret table and chair moves which Liza Minelli would die for.

Then it was Willsy's turn and, together with a guest performance from her sister, Sue, they recreated part of their Vietnam tour, back when they were entertaining the troops, complete with Prue Acton dress, songs, and reminiscences, to the clearly adoring audience.

The traditional Hans accordion act, with a brilliant German interpretation of a classic Kylie Minogue song, was one of the many highlights of this hour long, but still too fleeting show. Local references were scattered throughout the performance, to the audience's great delight. There's nothing like an in joke to cement audience relationships, and I'm sure that everyone would have been only too happy for the show to continue until the performers dropped, although I suspect Hans has no problems keeping going. They were well-supported throughout by The Triplets, a trio of keyboards, drums, and guitar.

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