It’s not Fringe without a bit of circus hub! Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett combines circus, gender-bending aerial and fire-breathing sideshow with live music and breathtaking performances.
Vibe
This was my first time ever seeing a Bernie Dieter show, but I’d heard of her rep as the “undisputed Queen of punk cabaret”. As the large crowd began to fill up The Beauty circus tent, the atmosphere already felt like it was buzzing with excitement.
Bernie’s vibe is warmth, affection, and a safe space for all who enjoy cabaret – and we find out quite early on that Bernie also likes to have some fun with the audience… Audience participation/societal norms liberation challenge alert!
The show itself
I’ve never been to a show that has quite as much live music, performed alongside some pretty impressive physical stunts and entertaining performances. Sometimes it’s all about the music, and Bernie’s performances – others, we get treated to some incredible acts, which include fire eating, contortion, hand balancing and full frontal nudity!
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One of the most powerful moments of the show was when Bernie came out in a ‘my body, my choice’ outfit referencing Roe vs Wade… and then, in that context, sang a heartfelt, powerful and cutting rendition of Martha Wainwright‘s Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole. I never imagined that song in that context before, or that performance would affect me quite as much as it did – I had actual tears.
There was also a lovely song about drinking gin, and a heart-warming tail from Bernie to go with it. It really brought up the warmth and affection in the room. What a show; it has just about everything you’d want for an evening at the circus hub, but Dieter takes it far deeper than just surface level glitz and rizz.
Overall
As a lover of cabaret – burlesque and otherwise – and circus, I thoroughly enjoyed Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett and I imagine I’ll be back for more. Bernie Dieter brings an incredible stage presence and commands the show, but it’s a team effort and it’s a delight to watch such a smooth, seamless show.
Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett
Summary
Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is a stunning, glitter-adorned show of circus, cabaret, stunts and live music that won’t fail to impress.
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