Auto Auto!

Published Friday 11 April 2008 at 15:15 by Alistair Smith

Having watched this show in both its German and English language incarnations, I’ve come to the conclusion that the production is actually better when you don’t understand what the performers are saying.

This is a reflection both of its great strengths and its ultimate weakness.

First the plus column. Christian von Richthofen is clearly a demented musical genius. Auto Auto! is his creation, in which he and fellow performer Rolf Clausen destroy a car every night using their hands, mallets and even an axle grinder, all in rhythm and while making music.

It is a beautifully oddball idea and is executed with real panache by the pair - especially von Richthofen, whose strength, energy and ability as a percussionist seem almost superhuman.

The music itself ranges from rock to classical and there’s even an African tribal-esque effort.

Naturally, this is the kind of thing that doesn’t need translating and, along with the duo’s physical comedy, it works just as well in this London transfer as it did in Germany.

The problem, then, is the script.

Sensibly, von Richthofen drafted in British comedian Mark Dolan to give him a helping hand in recreating the show for an English-speaking audience. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked. Too many of the jokes fall flat and if this is going to enjoy broader success in a British market - which it certainly deserves - then further work is needed.

Still, it’s an enjoyable and riotous 80 minutes and unlike anything else you’re ever likely to see.