Review: The Hänz On Experience

**Picture (L to R)**: Hänz Gunter (Stefan Cooper-Fox) and ZaZa (Johanna Lyon) with the latest ‘Vague’ cover model (*Picture credit: Creative Futures Photography*)

It really isn’t surprising that the alter ego of Hänz Gunter (Stefan Cooper-Fox) is a successful photographer, whose career also includes working as an MC, event entertainer and actor. Thanks to Cooper-Fox’s creativity and close observation, Hänz has made regular appearances at red carpet events, parties and more... This has clearly given Cooper-Fox time to perfect many great one-liners, and a comprehensive back-story for this Germanic photographer to the stars.

At the 2023 Anywhere Festival, select audiences have enjoyed a sneak peek at the behind-the-scenes magic that takes place in a celebrity photoshoot. Joined by expert stylist and ‘cool-ologist’ ZaZa (Johanna Lyon) Hänz welcomes visitors to the studio, filling in time while waiting for the celebrity to arrive by introducing us to the equipment and secrets behind ‘sniffing out’ the latest trends and style.

Dah-lings... The Hänz On Experience is such fun—with wonderful insights, and special tips as to how to transform yourself into a front cover ‘common people’ model for the latest issue of ‘Vague Magazine.’ Of course, I can’t possibly give away all of ZaZa and Hänz’s secrets, but you can certainly pick up some valuable tips about lighting styles, selecting the right ‘look,’ cultivating ‘that’ disdainful top model look, and how best to catwalk (or, on 12 May, how to giraffe-walk!).

The comic duo had the audience in the palm of their hands from the very first moment of welcome, with a sequence of stories and hints that began with arrival photographs and energising dance. Lyons and Cooper-Fox are talented comics and character actors, who work well together and who certainly know how to work an audience.

Sadly, The Hänz On Experience has only one more show in the 2023 Anywhere Festival program. But I have a feeling that this show will be a successful staple in fringe and comedy festival programs in the years ahead.

Verdict: Fully interactive and certainly entertaining, The Hänz On Experience is a great fringe and comedy festival show.

Catherine Lawrence

**Picture (L to R)**: Hänz Gunter (Stefan Cooper-Fox), ZaZa (Johanna Lyon) and the latest ‘Vague’ cover model (*Picture credit: Creative Futures Photography*)

Audience information: The Hänz On Experience, Fringe Brisbane Offices, Old Stefan Salon, South Brisbane (11-13 May, 7:30pm). 45 minutes (no interval). Strongly accented comedy. Stairs up to the performance space. Tickets $20 ($15 concession).

The reviewer attended the 12 May 2023 performance (7:30pm)

Geoff Lawrence