Fringe review: Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett
A riotous night of circus, cabaret and defiant glamour as Bernie Dieter’s outrageous troupe turns hedonism into a call for connection. ★★★★★
“Tonight baby, you’re at home,” growls Bernie Dieter. “And you’re with ME!” Three minutes later she’s in the audience, straddling a hapless hipster while 50 Shades Of Grey and Business (all audience members) gently stroke her thighs before carrying her back to the stage. Yes mates, it’s time to wave your freak flag: Club Kabarett is in town and resistance is, frankly, futile.
It’s not just that this is a cast of the finest circus performers in the world. It’s not just that the band slaps. It’s not just that Dieter can sell a number better than a bartender selling gin to a thirsty journo at the end of dry January. It’s that there’s a point of view, an intention: connection is better than division and joy in all its forms is an act of rebellion. Dieter sends us to the barricades and, even if it’s just for a couple of hours on a Tuesday night, makes us believe that change is possible.
To return to that cast though: wherever you go, you won’t see better. From Caleb Cameron quite literally lighting the place up with his sparky tap, to Jarred Dewey pushing the bounds of the body on aerial (in heels that already seem high enough, thank you very much), or contortionist Soliana Ersie putting her toes where toes have no right to go. Jacqueline Furey’s fire swallowing burns the house down, while Iva Rosebud steals every scene and every heart with her trademark (and quite literal) cheek. And Dieter rarely leaves the stage. Her brooding presence brings it all together, keeping us in the palm of her elegantly manicured hand. Her second act entrance, in a sequin-covered dress spelling out the words ‘you will never own me’ brings a roar that nearly brings the roof down.
Mother is indeed mothering, and this energy connects every act, every movement; these artists aren’t just using their bodies and talent to entertain us, they inspire us to push the boundaries in our own lives too. Because we’re all the same: just muscle, sinew and bone. It’s how we use it that makes a difference. This super-sexy triumphant return to Adelaide is not for the faint-hearted, but it absolutely should not be missed.
Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is playing at Aurora Spiegeltent at the Garden of Unearthly Delights from February 21 – March 22
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