Adelaide international cabaret star Hans in good spirits, to have surgery, after shocking accident during Europe cruise show

Despite being in a lot of pain, Adelaide cabaret superstar Hans is in good spirits after falling 4m from stage during a performance on a cruise ship off Turkey.

Adelaide’s beloved superstar cabaret performer Hans is in good spirits despite having seriously injured himself falling 4m off a stage on a cruise ship last week.

Former Sunday Mail columnist Matt Gilbertson, who performs internationally under the stage name Hans, fell and fractured his spine in four places and shattered his foot and ankle on the ship off the coast of Turkey on Thursday night.

In a social media post, Hans said he fell into an orchestra while performing Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On in front of 1200 fans.

He was rushed to a Turkish hospital, his manager David Wilson said.

On Monday morning, Mr Wilson said the team was working to transport Hans by air ambulance to London where he will undergo surgery.

“It’s a very delicate and kind of complicated operation,” Mr Wilson told ABC Radio Adelaide on Monday.

Matt Gilbertson performs as Hans on a cruise ship in Europe.

Hans, on stage during a performance on a cruise ship in Europe.

He could undertake the surgery in Turkey, but he would be required to remain in the country without a support network for several weeks in recovery.

“In London he has a good social network of friends who can visit and support and be with him, and that’s why it’s important to be over there,” Mr Wilson said.

Hans is remaining positive even through the pain, he said.

“He still makes me laugh, and sometimes in the calls we have the laughs are more free flowing than others,” Mr Wilson said.

“I can tell by the tone of his voice that there are some phone calls where he’s speaking through gritted teeth of pain … and other times where he’s more playful.”

Hans became a global star after appearing on America’s Got Talent in 2018.

In a social media post, Hans said the incident had “resulted in a shattered foot and some slight spinal damage.

“At this stage the spine looks manageable but I will require extensive surgery on my right foot.

“Obviously not an ideal situation, but it could have been much, much worse.”

Matt Gilbertson has been seriously injured while performing on a European cruise as his cabaret alter ego Hans. Picture: Charles C. Meyer

Described as an “international award-winning superstar, sex symbol and accordion player”, Hans made special mention to those who helped throughout the incident.

“My thanks to 1Cover insurance for their assistance in this, especially to the magnificent Allie and Toka,” the post said.

“Also my dear friend Nurse Adam who is travelling with me this week is my superhero.

“Thank you for showing me the true meaning of friendship and for saving me throughout this.”

Hans has cancelled a forthcoming show back in Australia, and all other scheduled performances were on hold.

Passengers watched on as Matt Gilbertson aka Hans was taken from the cruise ship after the stage fall. Picture: Facebook

Medical crews are assessing his injuries, with Hans expected to be flown from Turkey to London for surgery. Picture: Facebook

“Sadly, this means I will not be able to perform at Broken Heel next week, and yes I’m aware of the irony in that. I was so looking forward to spending the weekend with you all,” the post said.

“Future shows are currently on standby until we have more of an idea of my recovery plan.

“I want to thank everyone in the Atlantis audience on Thursday night for being so understanding when this occurred and to those who have already sent very kind messages of support.”

Hans rose to international stardom after appearing on popular television show America’s Got Talent in 2018.

He has had sold-out shows at the Adelaide Fringe, winning the Best Cabaret award two years in a row.