Richard Herring / Hitler’s Moustache, Newcastle Live Theatre

10:57am Tuesday 4th August 2009

Photograph of the Author By Gavin Havery »

THE premise of Richard Herring’s new Edinburgh-bound show is to reclaim the toothbrush moustache for comedy purposes. And why not? It was sported by Charlie Chaplin before the future Fuhrer of Nazi Germany followed suit with less-than-hysterical results.

Herring has worn a real “nasal welcome mat” for the past few months and the first part of the show is a funny account of his fears about how others will react to its racist associations.

Herring’s Hitler moustache gives him artistic licence to chuck in a few ironic racial slurs, much to the amusement of the post-modern audience.

A gear shift was welcome when he moved on to the serious issues behind his silly moustache.

He delivered an angry Bill Hicks-inspired rant against the political apathy that allowed the far right group to get two seats at the recent European elections. Perhaps his words hit home with who those who hadn’t bothered to vote because of disaffection about MPs’ expenses.

Hitler’s Moustache is an interesting show and well worth an hour of anyone’s time.

It’s unlikely to change your world view – which, if you get the jokes, should be pretty well-rounded – but could get some people off their armchairs at the next election.

Hitler’s Moustache runs from Thursday until August 30 at 8.40pm at Underbelly, in Edinburgh.