Four words describe these four, incredible guys: hysterically funny and remarkably musical. The Ashton Brothers represent a new generation of fully instinct-led talents, and by now their name is inseparable from music, variety, commedia dell’arte and magic tricks, all in one. A combo of a variety show and a Taratino movie spiced with some Monty Python, these guys know what it takes to entertain the audience to the verge of shock-packed euphoria.
Joost Spijkers, Friso van Vemde, Muda and Pepijn Gunneweg, all Dutch and all in their thirties, first met at the Academy of Cabaret and Variety in Amsterdam. Although they grew up on hip hop music, inline skating and MTV’s Jackass, they do love the red plush atmosphere of classic variety shows. The Ashton Brothers’ style is somewhere on the border of acrobatics and cabaret, named ‘acrobaret’ by the brothers themselves. They breathe new life and energy into the modern variety show.
Similar to their debut, Tragiek van de Onderman (Tragedy of the Underdog), their second show, Ballyhoo!, performed 350 times – an astonishing number –, turned out to be a roaring success, as well. Their show’s success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival paved the way for an international tribute (lucky for us). During their 2009 tour, their next stop being Budapest, they bring you their latest show called Charlatans, a medicine show. It’s based on the practices of doctors… erm charlatans rather, of the Middle Ages, selling their magic drugs during fairs from their horses and carts, show-like speeches that were the predecessors of Teleshop. Through the doctors’ never-ending search for tricks and magic for staying young forever, the show tells you of the struggle called illness and death. Don’t expect words, the Ashton Brothers express themselves through slapstick, clowning and magical tricks, a theatre of revue and vaudeville with its very own language understood by anyone, anywhere. Think great music, cabaret, acrobatics, pantomime, stunts with wheelchairs and the pure energy that oozes around each and every show by the Ashton Brothers!