HITLERHOFF Queen's Theatre Until 22 Mar 2009 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)