Berlin Boy Wonder Hans versus Prince Hans of Frozen fame

Prince Hans in the Disney stage hit Frozen has been charming Adelaide audiences – and its put German superstar Hans’ nose out of joint. So we sat them both down for a chat.

Frozen continues to dazzle thousands of South Australians of all ages at the Festival Theatre, with no small thanks to the dashing, charming, and oh so handsome character Prince Hans of the Southern Isles.

But there’s one Adelaidean whose nose has been put out of joint by the winsome prince.

That’s our very own Hans, who is of the opinion that Adelaide isn’t big enough for two Germanic celebrities of the same name.

So we put them head to head, or Hans vs Hans if you like – the man behind the Disney version being the immensely talented Thomas McGuane – to see who really deserves the title Hans of the Southern Isles.

Do they both win your heart? Or does one take the crown ‘Hans down’? You decide.

Frozen is the biggest show in Adelaide at the moment, why should Prince Hans be considered the real “Hans of the Southern Isles”? 

TM: I’m sure that Hans of the Southern Isles wouldn’t hesitate to say he is the true Hans of the Southern Isles – but I believe there is more than enough room for both Hans’s to shine in this glorious kingdom … I mean city!

H: Well, that is a very sweet and, lets face it, very Disney thing to say. But let me be clear Thomas … This is my town, baby. And Frozen is only the biggest show in Adelaide right now because it’s not Fringe time so I’m not performing!

Berlin Boy Wonder Hans, aka Matt Gilbertson, and Prince Hans from Disney's Frozen The Musical, aka Thomas McGuane. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Frozen’s Prince Hans is the youngest of 13 sons, burdened with the inability to ascend his family’s throne in the Southern Isles. Tell us about your family?

TM: I’m happy to report that my family is much less complicated than Prince Hans’! I grew up in the humble country town of Colac, in Victoria. I am the middle child, with my older brother (Josh) and younger sister (Olivia). Growing up, my dad’s voice was the soundtrack of my childhood, so I’ve been singing and performing since before I can remember. I’ve had special performance opportunities with just about every member of my family (except for mum, she’s busy being the local superstar GP). A very musical family indeed!

H: My family, in Berlin of course, have always been very supportive of me. Dad still thinks I am on a school soccer trip in Australia that’s lasted for fifteen years, but my mother is really cabaret’s answer to Kris Jenner. She is a stage mum through and through and it’s paid off!

Fashion wise, who do you think takes the cake – Prince Hans or Hans? 

TM: Being a prince has many perks, including the chance to wear such beautifully detailed costumes, all handmade right here in Australia by a talented team led by Janet Hine who is Frozen’s Associate Costume Designer. If we’re talking fashion sense, style and poise, Hans takes the cake … you decide which one I’m talking about!

H: I think the proof is in the glittery pudding. And that pudding has been designed and sewn by my mother. Checkmate!

Prince Hans from Disney's Frozen The Musical, aka Thomas McGuane (right), versus the Berlin Boy Wonder Hans, aka Matt Gilbertson at the Festival Theatre. Picture: Brenton Edwards

How long do you spend in hair and make-up? 

TM: Not as long as you may think! I’m one of the only actors on stage who doesn’t wear a wig. It only takes around 10 minutes to do my hair and makeup, which leaves me plenty of time to warm up my voice and body, ready to make my entrance to Arendelle. Most other performers onstage have beautiful wigs to suit their characters – in one scene alone

Courtney Monsma who plays Anna wears three wigs on top of each other because of how quick the changes need to be – pretty incredible!

H: I spend hours. Most of that is just staring into a mirror, lovingly. But in terms of doing my make up, I would say about 45 minutes. It takes a bit of time to look this cheap.

Prince Hans covets Ana in Frozen. What are you looking for in an ideal partner? What is your ideal princess/prince? 

TM: I love someone who is a great listener, someone who is unconditionally kind and passionate, and a beautiful soul who is willing accept me, warts and all. Someone who loves to have a night in, eating pizza and watching Netflix or Disney+. And the great thing is, I’ve already found that person – a magical feeling indeed!

H: At this stage I am just looking for a pulse. Actually, not even that. Let’s just say a huge bank account. And if they have that, then who even cares about a pulse!

Hans and Jimmy Barnes at the Logies 2022.

What is your experience with using your talents on stage in a competition setting?

TM: I used to do a lot of Eisteddfods as a kid, it was my favourite time of year. I found it nerve racking being up against so many people. But as soon as I was on stage, I didn’t care – I love doing what I do. I was involved with Eisteddfods for a while before I realised that I could do theatre as a career. I swiftly turned my attention to that and prioritised getting into a drama school to study musical theatre.

H: Darling, you are looking at a two-time loser on the world’s greatest talent show America’s Got Talent season 13 and America’s Got Talent The Champions. Who else can say they’ve been rejected by an entire country twice!

Where in the world would you build your castle? 

TG: Well, considering Arendelle is already taken by two particular sisters, I think I may have to settle for perhaps a place like Sweden – rolling hills, snow and glorious views. And even though it’s cold over there … the cold never bothered me anyway. See what I did there? 

H: I’d obviously love somewhere in Berlin, back home. But due to various tax complications, I’ll have to go for the next best thing- Hansdorf (sic)!

If you had a magical power what would it be? 

TM: I’d love to be able to fly through the air, up into the clouds and weave in and out of buildings – that would be an amazing feeling! 

H: After finding out that his hair isn’t actually a wig, my magical power would be growing a do like Thomas’s. It’s amazing!

In Frozen, Prince Hans winds up betraying Ana in quite spectacular fashion. What is the biggest act of betrayal you’ve ever committed? 

TM: Mine is a betrayal of good taste. Look, it’s going to have to be the fact that … I still put pineapple on my pizzas. I love a Hawaiian pizza!

H: I can’t go into too many details due to the nature of an impending court case, but I’ll tell you that there was a contestant on AGT who I did have a bit of a run-in with. I can’t say exactly what happened, but if you’ve ever seen the film I, Tonya, you’ll get a picture.

What song of yours do you think wins over Adelaide audiences the most? 

TM: The song that wins over Adelaide audiences every time would have to be ‘Love is an Open Door’. Courtney and I just have the most amount of fun out there; it’s such a blast! The choreography and singing is intricate and somewhat chaotic (the stage show version has a dance break!) but it never ceases to be a highlight for audiences!

H: Proud Mary is always a bit of a fan favourite. But just wait until you hear the rendition of Let It Go I am thinking of adding to my repertoire. The kids are gonna love it!