2011 Edinburgh Fringe
Henning Wehn: No Surrender review
Henning Wehn certainly knows how to create a Germanic atmosphere. His show is being performed in a dripping underground bunker with rousing and rhythmic marching-band music piped in while the crowd take their seats. Beginning at the back of the venue, Wehn apologises to any Germans in the crowd for the late start, blaming the tardy British, before marching down the aisle to take his place on stage. This play on German efficiency clearly sets the tone for his new show, No Surrender, starting with typical German vigour, passion and pride. Unfortunately the rest doesn't quite live up to this impressive start.
Wehn starts by discussing the concept of authenticity - an admirable and appropriate topic - and relates it to German beer festivals. He notes with that as an expat, such events make feel inherently proud, even though, in their British conception, there is nothing German about them. He also discusses his swelling national pride towards Britain's premier oompah band and his changed feelings towards Aldi since coming to the UK. Although well-structured and very funny, these tales do not come across in as elucidating or thoughtful a way as they could. As a unique voice in the world of stand-up, the subject of authenticity is one that Wehn could really examine in depth but he misses the opportunity to fully do it justice.
His material on the nature of comedy itself, especially at the Edinburgh Fringe, is well observed and funny because, ultimately, it is true. However, some of his remarks about the quality of work available on the Free Fringe elicit awkward giggles and unsure 'hmm's from the crowd. Whilst this uncompromising approach can sometimes be effective, in Wehn's case it doesn't always create the desired laughs as is evident at various times when the big punchlines are met with reluctant titters and uneasy groans. Having said that, he does have some excellent lines, which have the cavernous venue howling with laughter, most notably on the Royal Family and on football.
Wehn also makes some astute and intelligent observations on the economic situation, noting both with pride and frustration Germany's role in propping up faltering countries. He skilfully argues that to support the Greek economy, tourists should visit Germany. His evident national pride which underpins the whole show gives this routine a sincere conviction - there is no tongue in this cheek. While this greatly adds to the character, Wehn's problem is that he is too focused and resolute in this outlook. His material is always forced back to his nationality often making it predictable and unsurprising - most evidently in the innumerable comparisons drawn between the British and the Germans. Much of this has the crowd laughing and is well conceived and delivered, but it definitely suffers from the law of diminishing returns.
Wehn's performance is assured and at times hilarious but it just feels that he is treading well-worn ground. If he wants to achieve 'world humour domination', as he states, he may well have to apply his unique and often interesting outlook on the world in new ways.
Henning Wehn No Surrender listing