Otto and Astrid’s show epitomizes the electric energy and off-beat charm that is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The rock n’ roll duo from Die Roten Punkte presents a joint solo project that’s as eccentric as it sounds. Imagine the creative tension between the straight-laced Charlie Watts and the wild unpredictability of Keith Richards, then add a heavy smear of makeup and a generous splash of cabaret flair, and you’re getting close. As they put it in their #SNAPCHATZ interview from July, ‘We’ve each written our own solo albums and we’ll be performing them both live on stage, at the same time, next to each other… but not touching.’
The show kicks off with Otto taking center stage for his solo project. At first, the pace is unhurried, but this lays the foundation for a vivid contrast when Astrid crashes on stage. As they begin to interact and play off each other, the tempo and tone dramatically transform, punctuated by bickering reminiscent of iconic rock band squabbles. The dynamic between the two is palpable; Astrid’s larger-than-life persona contrasted with Otto’s quiet, crisp-munching moments in the corner make for a show that’s both comedic and endearing.
Typically, in cabaret-style performances, the spotlight often leans towards the artist’s persona and theatrics, sometimes compromising the integrity of the music. Not with Otto and Astrid. The audience can’t help but tap their feet and nod along. Their music effortlessly oscillates between electronic rhythms and pure rock and roll, while embracing playful themes which include kittens, tasty snacks and coming together. Amid this high-octane performance, you’ll even witness the unexpected: a punk rock song morphing into a chorus of meow (or “miau”). Otto, with his inimitable style, manages to enlist the audience into meowing along, and astonishingly, everyone goes with it as if it’s the most natural thing. You’d be left wondering what bystanders outside the tent in George Square Gardens think is unfolding inside.
There are peaks and valleys in ‘Otto and Astrid’s Joint Solo Project,’ as with any live show. The show may feel a touch dated, but the duo makes commendable efforts to bring in up-to-date references, yet there’s potential for them to push further and continue the thread through the show – they definitely hit that mark with ‘Otto-splaining.’ The sheer silliness and clowning around, which is guaranteed to keep audiences laughing throughout,
The experience feels like a full-blown rock concert, ingeniously condensed into a single hour. As the final notes ring out, attendees are left with the sensation of having witnessed something unparalleled. The afterglow persists, nudging you towards a peculiar desire: purchasing an Otto “I wanna be your kitten” t-shirt. (And for the Astrid fans, she has her own solo project t-shirt on offer.) A note to prospective attendees: bring extra dosh for this stellar merch.
In essence, Otto and Astrid’s Joint Solo Project epitomises the spirit of the Fringe: unapologetically quirky, audibly resonant, and thematically rich. If you like to tap your foot to a good beat – in other words, you’re human – this show is for you. Even if you approach with a hint of skepticism, the potent combination of captivating musical performances, character-driven humour, and delightful oddities guarantees that Otto and Astrid will win you over by the final note.
Not convinced yet? Give their #SNAPCHATZ interview a glance to get a taste of their unique charm, and discover other equally delightful shows.
Seen the show and left wanting more? Think of ‘Otto and Astrid’s Joint Solo Project’ as the warm-up act. You can also catch them at the House of Oz on Saturday evenings with ‘Haus Party! with Otto & Astrid’.
A note from the editor’s wife: Does this review feel different in tone from our other reviews? That’s because it is! This time, I stepped in and I’m definitely not sad about it!
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