The concept of some trying to be the worst at something at the Fringe is an odd concept to stomach. After all, is it simply a case of them realising that they are crap and trying to make the best of a bad lot once they have paid their deposit or are they simply conceptual geniuses. It can often be a fine line between the two but, thankfully, Die Clapperschenkenfietermaus tend towards the latter.
Billed as the worst pop duo ever, this Teutonic double act gives us an privileged look into the tortured upbringings that have brought them to the dizzying heights (or is that lows?) of post-retro-future-modern-synth-rock failures and, unbelievably, it works as a concept.
The pair come across as a odd blend of Kraftwerk and the Pet Shop Boys, coupled with an unhealthy does of ingrained angst and parental issues, and are wholly believable as a frustrated, sub-techno Germanic musos.
Naturally, their music is absolutely dire but then that’s the point, and it easy to forgive them for assaulting you with the sort of aural dribble that is normally confined to a bass-ridden PA in the corner of a festival campsite.
Unfortunately, while the idea is clever and well scripted, the delivery is slightly lacking and, as a result, the show doesn’t flow as well as it should and is merely enjoyable rather than outright hilarious. On a more positive note, it is obvious that the duo have decent improv skills (a must when the show involves any sort of technology) and their audience participation section is a riot if the crowd get into it.
It is clear that Die Clapperschenkenfietermaus are indeed the worst musical act ever but this show is a cut above a lot of the others that will tread the boards this August.
3/5
Richard Biggs
