Comedy
Henning Wehn - Eins, Zwei, DIY!
Citizens Theatre
three stars
Lorraine Wilson
No-one can blame Henning Wehn for making the most of his comedy USP - the comedian from the county with, allegedly, no sense of humour.
It's taken him far, with the German clocking up numerous appearances across radio and TV, providing that stand-up nirvana - a profile that leads to sold-out tours and the chance to merchandise.
Hearing him for the first time on radio, the Cockney inflections in the undistinguishable European accent sounded like Bjork after a really heavy night. For every "Wunderbar!" there's a "Blimey!", but once the novelty has worn off, there's a sharp mind at work.
And so it is here. Once we get past the stereotypes - he admits that on stage "I German it up" - his observation of British life is masterly without ever resorting to ridicule. There are pointers from his homeland that are difficult to disagree with.
The housing market and our reluctance to rent, payday lenders, and the embrace of the oligarchs aren't unusual subjects but when seen through Wehn's German rationale they take on a new level of absurdity.
A short 30-minute set before the interval was said to be the support before the main event Eins, Zwei, DIY!, but apart from a toolbox on stage and a short section after the encore there are more relevant themes.
Sport for example. Obviously a football enthusiast, he produces a replica World Cup "We all have one in Germany" and follows with a superb comparison of Brazil and Germany and the differences in how they rose to footballing greatness.
Although he says he feels more British now, it would be a shame to lose the train of thought (on time of course) that his German roots provides.
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