It is what it is. And at least I got a free bag of Cheerios at the end (that was a tasty snack). I’m not saying that was the highlight of the evening, but it’s not like this faux German emo sibling couple made the strongest impression on me — and certainly not the happiest. However, their hit tune Ich Bin Nicht Ein Roboter (I Am a Lion) had me roaring more than I would like to admit.
As you might have guessed by now (unless you were already a fan of their work), this is a parody show. The kind that relies on extremely simple, absurdist humour and a lot of slapstick to get a laugh or two from its audience — which they do. It isn’t by any means the most hilarious act on earth. But it has a pulse. And an identity. And for that, it’s worth a go, even if you keep a straight face for most of the performance.
There is a lot of work to do, nonetheless. It’s a solid concept, and I’m all down for watching a brother-and-sister punk rock duo dressed in depressed-clown clothes and pouring their hearts out through angst-filled, introspective tunes such as I’m Wanna Be Your Kitten, Baby (cats ears included in the outfit). But a premise can’t go any further if it isn’t given the means to grow beyond a good idea. And in the end, that’s all this piece comes across as.
Some jokes are enjoyable. And I confess to have chuckled- even howled -a few times. However, the comedy feels formulaic for the most part. And although the characters are endearing and their delivery is competent, the script fails to measure up, adding next to no substance.
Consequently, most of their lines come off as aimless and clumsily improvised. It’s as if the show is being written as we’re watching. And although there might be some intention behind it to enhance the sense of spontaneity, it also bolsters its unresourcefulness.
Ultimately, it becomes repetitive and uninspired. It’s more of the same over and over again, which wasn’t that great to begin with. And inevitably, the lack of structure prevents the piece from being anything other than a collection of samey average skits.
They lost their parents to a zoo beast while they were children. And they penned the most poignant song about it, starring a robot. The ridiculous nature of Otto & Astrid could have actually turned the performance into a seriously funny celebration of musical folly. Yet, its lazy satire and monotonous approach make for a slightly dull, unmemorable rendition with hardly any chances other than the ones they let go.
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Otto & Astrid is currently on a world tour until 10 February. Tickets and venue information are available on the following link.