This review could be written in twelve words:
Risqué. Theatre. Elegance. High stakes. Top tier.
But, above all … liberating.
Bernie Dieter will capture your attention with her unabashed charisma and powerful vocal skills, and everyone who walks onto that stage will make you laugh, gasp, cry, cheer, and clap until your hands are stinging.
With world-class skills on and above the stage you can expect to be swept away by tap dancing, warmed by a fire breather, left gasping at aerial skills, awed by contortion, and serenaded in French. Not necessarily in that order, and not necessarily with their clothes on. Bernie’s magnificent vocals and her talented three-piece band support each performer as they showcase their jaw-dropping skills, with each performance lovingly lubricating you in preparation for the next.
You can expect the crowd to be involved, used as props for a song, having wigs and costumes thrown at them, and even assisting the performers on and off the stage. No one is safe, and it not only adds to the thrill of the performance, but also to the shared feeling of liberation away from the dark, dreary world outside of the Garden of Unearthly Delights. Bernie wraps her audience in her protective embrace while simultaneously making political statements to make you feel seen, to feel heard, and to feel loved. All while flaunting the most spectacular outfits.
The lights are a performance of their own, reflecting the sequins, glitter, and sweat, all while highlighting the cake smashing, the swords being swallowed (yes, really), and the many dazzling costumes. A world-tour like setup behind the three-piece band creates the feeling of being at a punk concert, encapsulating the decadence and extravagance of the Kabarett.
Not a moment of the show has gone unconsidered, resulting in a seamless performance with no lulls and a completely enraptured audience from start to finish. Be prepared to let go, be inspired by the unapologetic confidence on stage, and feel the unadulterated joy emanating from every corner of the show.
The energy and love emitting from the cast is palpable as they perform, assist, play, dance, and cheer along with the audience. Not once will you find yourself doubting the skills or the talent on the stage before you, and you will likely find yourself itching to tell everyone you know all about it.
If you’re only seeing one show at the Fringe, this should be it.
To book tickets to Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett, please visit https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/bernie-dieter-s-club-kabarett-af2026.
Photographer: Cameron Grant
