Vince Ebert, physicist and comedian, is a big hit in his native Germany. With a stand-up career spanning 20 years he regularly performs to huge audiences across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. He has been hosting his own prime time television show on the ARD (German equivalent of the BBC) for six years and his best-selling books have sold over 500,000 copies. You probably think Germans have no sense of humour. Therefore, a German physicist has to be the least funny person on this planet. That may be true until you meet Vince Ebert. Some say, next to Angela Merkel he is the other German physicist who works in the comedy business.
‘Sexy Science. Made in Germany’ is a witty and inspiring performance about skeptical thinking, fake news, the secret of German cars and the important question: Do strippers in the southern hemisphere turn around the pole in the opposite direction? Serious humour – Made in Germany.
Sexy Science. Made in Germany is coming to Underbelly what can you tell us about it?
Originally, I’m a certified physicist and in my native country, Germany, I’m something between Neil deGrasse Tyson and John Oliver. In my show “Sexy Science. Serious Humour – Made in Germany” I explain scientific facts with the fundamental laws of humour: Why is the sky blue? Why is the night black? Why shouldn’t we eat yellow snow? And of course, I’m willing to debunk the myth that Germans have no sense of humour. First time I entered the lab of my German university I saw a sign: “Don´t look directly into the laser beam with your remaining eye.”
What inspired you to write Sexy Science. Made in Germany?
In Germany I’ve been working as a science comedian for almost 20 years. I’ve been hosting a prime-time TV science show and I’ve written humorous books about science. After so many years I needed a new challenge. It has always been a big dream of mine to do a show in English. Because the language of science is English. But it hasn’t always been like this. Did you know that 100 years ago the language of science was German? It’s true! Back in the day every well-educated person in the world had to learn German. And if we hadn’t screwed up 80 years ago, I could perform this show at the Fringe in my own language. And probably even in my own country. Who knows …
What’s the one thing about Sexy Science. Made in Germany makes it different from all the rest?
A lot of people think that science is mainly about complicated equations and abstract theories. In “Sexy Science” I want to make clear that science is a long story about learning not to fool ourselves. Actually, it’s a show about the idea of Enlightenment. Scientific thinking is basically the testing of assumptions. For example, if I assume there is beer in the fridge and I go and check, I’m behaving like a scientist. Big difference to theology. In theology assumptions are usually not verified. So, if I say there is beer in the fridge but don’t check – I´m a theologian. If I check it out, I’m a scientist. If I look into the fridge, find no beer and still say, “It’s there“– That’s new age!
How does it feel to be at Underbelly?
In contrast to many rough and tough venues at the Fringe the atmosphere at the Underbelly is a bit more sophisticated. I guess it suits perfectly the character of my show. And since I’m playing the show at 1:30 pm the alcohol level in the audience is probably not that high yet.
What’s the most challenging thing about performing Sexy Science. Made in Germany?
The most challenging thing for me is of course to be funny in a foreign language. When I began to write the show, I was so afraid of it. And to be honest: I still am. Because I’m not very good at learning languages. And I still use words in a wrong way. But that shouldn’t be impotent.
On the other hand, I’m German. I always want to be perfect. To speak English incorrectly is one of my biggest fears. But I try to get over it. That’s why I developed this show.
Why should people come see Sexy Science. Made in Germany?
First of all: It’s great fun! Besides the whole science stuff, I will also talk a lot about cultural differences. For example, we Germans are known for the fact that we always want to get to the bottom of things. 100 years ago, we figured out that light is something in between a particle and a wave. “Who gives a shit?” Americans say. “We just want to light up our rooms!” Such an approach is way too superficial for us. We wanted to know exactly what light is. Therefore, the German Max Planck discovered quantum physics, whereas the American Thomas Edison only invented the light bulb. To be fair, without this invention we would still be sitting around a candle watching Netflix…
Vince Ebert Sexy Science. Made in Germany is at Underbelly – Bristo Square (Dexter) 1st – 27th August (not 15th).
