Hans’s best life
Matt Gilbertson, AKA Hans, reveals how he lives his best life ahead of a special guest performance in The Christmasettes.
What does your idea of the perfect day look like?
Waking up without an alarm, a lovely weak oat latte (and NO I am not ashamed of my coffee order, thank you!), lunch with friends and A LOT of gossip. Then performing a sold-out show, followed by a standing ovation and someone else taking off my eyelashes… people underestimate the importance of that final step!
What is a wonderful moment of kindness you have experienced?
I recently had the honour of performing at the John Farnham tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, which was raising funds for Head and Neck Cancer Australia. The kindness in that room on the night and in the lead up to the event during rehearsals was extraordinary. The generosity and awareness towards the charity, the care people had for one another, and this enormous wave of love for John was something I won’t forget. You could feel how much he means to people and how deeply his music is woven into everyone’s lives. There were a lot of tears, a lot of laughs and a LOT of love!
What is your favourite photograph?
Of course, I rarely take a bad photo!!! But maybe a photograph from my first appearance on America’s Got Talent in 2018. There’s something wonderful about seeing this ridiculous, glittering dream of yours suddenly sitting on an enormous American television stage. Also, the lighting budget was very kind to me!
If you could own any piece of art, what would it be?
I have some lovely paintings by the brilliant SA artist Pia Kuykhoven, who paints mostly flowers from her own garden. They’re wonderfully colourful and vibrant, and I love having them in my house. I’ve always had a soft spot for a floral number… on the wall or on my body!
But if we’re dreaming big, lets say Monet’s Water Lilies because it’s visited Adelaide recently. When I went to the Monet to Matisse exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia, the security guards were watching me rather closely. I think they could tell I was mentally measuring it up for the lounge room. And wondering whether I’d brought a large enough handbag to smuggle it out!
Here’s $500. You have to spend it in the next hour – what are you buying?
Rhinestones!!! People think $500 buys a lot of rhinestones. Those people have never tried to cover a six-foot-something German in them. We could get maybe one shoulder finished.
A bar, café or restaurant in SA you’d recommend?
A restaurant… Mai Kitchen in Ferryden Park!
A Cafe… Queen Street Cafe in Croydon.
And a bar… Honey! Give me La Sing ANY day of the week! Frankly that is the alternate Michelin list this State deserves!
What was the last film/tv show you watched?
I’m a sucker for trash TV! If there are the words “Real” and “Housewives” in the title, I have probably watched it. My problem is that I sit down to watch one episode and suddenly it’s tomorrow. Like any German, I have tremendous discipline in every area except when it comes to “play next episode”.
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Favourite way to unwind?
I generally advise against unwinding. If you stay ready, you don’t have to GET ready. My resting heart rate is permanently set to the opening tempo of River Deep, Mountain High! The minute you relax, your shoulders drop, your stomach comes out and someone snaps a photo and plasters it all over Insta. So my advice to any aspiring showgirl out there is STAY WOUND!
Last book you read?
OK! I just finished a book called London Calling by Patrick Radden Keefe which was recommended by a friend. It’s a true story and a bit of a murder mystery and I loved it! But the book I’m reading at the moment is the Charles Spencer book about his sister Princess Diana. Remember what I said about loving gossip!
Last song you listened to?
I’ve had Madonna’s new album, Confessions II, on repeat since it came out earlier this year. Really, I should be learning the Christmas songs we’re performing in December. Each year you think think you know the songs until rehearsals start and suddenly, “You better watch out, you better not cry” becomes VERY real! Time to get to work.
Hans will perform as a special guest in The Christmasettes, a new Christmas production debuting at the Capri Theatre on December 5 and 6. Featuring more than 25 performers, the show brings classic Christmas movies to life through dance, tap, singing and comedy.
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