A riotous black comedy that'll have you cringing and giggling in equal measure
At the bongs of Big Ben we hear a news reporter telling us that Hitler is dead. But “you shouldn't believe everything you hear on the radio. Ay up!” In the depths of rural Yorkshire, hides four very naughty boys – The Nazi Boys – Goebbels (Marcus Churchill), Himmler (Michael Goodwin-Grist), Göring (David McCulloch) and last, but not least, the Führer (Peter McCrohon). “Ay up Hitler!” shouts the audience, and not for the last time.
If you hadn't already guessed from the title, then the first five minutes will leave you in no doubt that Ay Up, Hitler! is a dark-humoured satire, much like The Producers, with a helping of Carry On silliness throughout. It's the kind of comedy that will divide a crowd and, given the smattering of walk-outs, it did just that. But happily the majority of punters stayed rooted to their seats, shifting only to accommodate a belly laugh.
“Próst!” shout the tweed-clad lads in thick northern accents. They're attempting to blend in down the White Hope & Glory pub, which is portrayed on a plain stage by some black boxes and literal miming, but there's one big giveaway: Hitler's 'tache, which he's nicknamed Heidi and can't bear to part with. They’re taking cover here while they plan for the epic comeback. “Fourth Reich?” the henchmen query after Hitler reveals his masterplan. “Aye, it comes after the tricky Third Reich,” he says, likening Reichs to albums.
There are one-liners aplenty in this chaotic but fun four-man farce. Like the gentle mocking of the Labour Party – “For the many, not the Jew!” – or the liable-to-make-you-choke joke: “Blimey Hitler, I haven't seen you this miserable since you got your gas bill.” Controversial it may be, but Ay Up, Hitler! is incredibly self-aware, and the cast regularly breaks the fourth wall to acknowledge as much. “Did you really think this was a good idea?” questions Göring. “What?” the posse responds. “Hitler's plan or this play?”
As well as the main characters, the actors seamlessly step in and out of other roles, including Eva Braun, a protesting student and Winston Churchill, aided by a variety of accents, costume changes and overexaggerated facial expressions. Later, much to the dismay of The Nazi Boys, we're also introduced to – gasp – a woman (Hannah-Cait Harrison), whose Donald Trump impression is uproarious. But even more credit is due this modest group, as they undertake the behind-the-scenes action too. It was produced by Gamma Ray Theatre founders McCulloch (who also wrote it) and Harrison, while Chris Hawley takes on directing, lighting and sound.
Ay Up, Hitler! won't be for everyone, but for those with hearty constitutions, you're in for a riotous hour of innovative theatre. It'll play fast and loose with history, and you'll never feel more awkward about laughing, but it'll leave you wanting more. We'll próst to that!
By Danielle Goldstein
Ay Up, Hitler! runs until Saturday 26 August. 10.15pm (exc. 13 Aug). £12, £10 concs. Edinburgh Festival Fringe, theSpace @ Surgeons Hall, EH8 9DW. gammaraytheatre.com