Torsten Sträter & Johann König in Dresden

Torsten Sträter is a German comedian, writer and actor, born in Dortmund in 1966. He first became known through poetry slams and readings of his short stories, then reached a wider television audience through programmes including Sträters Männerhaushalt and Das Gipfeltreffen. His comedy draws on everyday life, the Ruhr region and his own experiences, delivered in a measured, deadpan style. Selbstbeherrschung umständehalber abzugeben established his solo format of stand-up, stories and readings. He followed it with Es ist nie zu spät, unpünktlich zu sein and Schnee, der auf Ceran fällt, taking his programmes through theatres and arenas across Germany. That sequence continued with the live programme Mach mal das große Licht an.

Johann König is a German comedian and author, born in Soest in 1972. His stand-up is known for its high, strained delivery, carefully placed pauses and observations about family life and everyday anxieties. Appearances on NightWash and Quatsch Comedy Club introduced his stage persona to television audiences. The 2006 solo program Johann König eskaliert was followed by theatre tours built around Total Bock auf Remmi Demmi and Feuer im Haus ist teuer, geh’ raus! He later took Milchbrötchenrechnung and Jubel, Trubel, Heiserkeit to theatres across Germany.