Stage: From a meow to a roar

Otto & Astrid: The Stages Tour
with Daniel Tobias, Clare Bartholomew
Jackson's Lane, Highgate • 2.Jul.25 ★★★★★

Fresh from performing at Glastonbury, Otto and Astrid take North London by storm for one night only as part of the London Clown Festival. Designed to explore their artistic development through various stages, Taylor Swift-style, this show features the hits from throughout their career as the band Die Roten Punkte, hand-selected by Astrid with no unauthorised songs allowed. At least not while she's on stage.

It's difficult to describe this act, other than to say that these two performers are experts at dead-pan comedy, physical clowning and, most of all, properly banging music that immediately gets under the skin with catchy tunes and hilariously smart, innuendo-filled lyrics. Astrid gleefully leans into the smuttier suggestiveness, while Otto doesn't quite get it. These are indelible characters, siblings who can't quite escape the rivalry between them, even in the way they share stories from their childhood. Otto is the loveable sweetheart, while Astrid is a demanding diva. But it's clear that they watch out for (and are perhaps a little bit frightened of) each other.

This show features favourite songs from nearly two decades, interspersed with stories and audience interaction that's sublimely ridiculous. A slapstick sequence involving Astrid's sleeves and a microphone stand is priceless. Rock-n-roll belters include Burger Store Dinosaur, Second Best Friend and Ich Bin Nicht Ein Roboter (I Am a Lion). There's also the riotously outrageous The Situation and the call-and-response glee of Tasty Snak. At various points, Astrid leaves the stage and Otto goes rogue with his sweeter unauthorised numbers, such as his Iggy Pop homage I Wanna Be Your Kitten. Astrid is not amused.

Creating a very big sound with their child-sized instruments, Otto guitars and Astrid on drums, this duo entertains the audience on so many levels that it's almost dizzying. It's difficult to stop laughing at their banter, which is delivered with earnest sincerity. Their physical schtick is expertly played to look completely out of control, including their impressive rock-god choreo. In the stories, they layer jokes and absurd silliness into emotional narratives. And the music is simply fabulous. It's no surprise that essentially everyone who sees them joins their fan club.

For more, OTTO & ASTRID >

photos by Peter Enwight, Christine Fiedler, Andrew Wuttke, Aaron Walker
2.Jul.25