Otto and Astrid @ Underbelly Cowgate

If the Eurovision Song Contest had a cheerleading squad it would be Otto and Astrid. Their infectious enthusiasm for dance music includes a readiness ‘to make party’ (in an exaggerated German accent) which they encourage by suggesting we ‘collectively lose our shit.’ 

Parodying the Euro-pop genre, this dynamic German duo of Die Roten Punkte (The Red Dots) perform original songs about everything from automatic doors to unsuccessful dates to making good choices in life when they’re not engaging in witty kerfuffles onstage. Riffs take on new meaning in the form of their pseudo slapstick sibling rivalry; Astrid is an outspoken drummer and flirt, while the string instrument-playing Otto is lovable and fragile (and with a sensitive side that’s emphasised during the show’s more emotional moments). 

Pierrot make-up and matching facial expressions accentuate their strong comic presence and marry well with their musical talent and entertaining aerobic dance skills. But it is the way they handle onstage chaos (intentional and otherwise) and deliver quips as fast as their beats per minute that is impressive. And, naturally, the show's deliberately trashy style and occassionally absurd and incomprehensible lyrics ('move those bendy legs!') heighten the comedic effect.

Like their foot-tapping music, Otto and Astrid’s bond is indisputably electric – for this reason, their beat will surely go on.

---

Otto & Astrid: Eurosmash! (Die Roten Punkte), Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer), until 27 Aug, 10.10pm, £9.50-11.50