Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett review

Bernie Dieter has taken over North Melbourne's Meat Market with her spectacularly electric Club Kabarett. It's an evening to forget our burdens and worries, shed inhibitions, and indulge in the joy and defiance being presented on stage. Before the show begins, the artists mingle through the crowd, giving a taste of the cheeky and saucy humour that awaits us. And once it kicks off, it is a non-stop ride of thrills and exhilarating chaos.

As our MC, Dieter seduces us into a night of revelry and debauchery. Her flirtatious, loud personality connects with everyone in the audience, and you can be sure that if she calls upon you, there is no willpower on Earth strong enough where you will be able to decline her invitation. But she takes care of us; she is genuinely happy to have us in the room and to perform for us. Her cover of Martha Wainwright's "Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole" has us all holding our breath, captivated by her powerful vocals and potent message she conveys regarding the state of women's rights today.

Jacqueline Furey is literally on fire with her routine, where she executes flaming-hot choreography that I've never seen before. Nor have I been so close to the action where I can feel the heat brush right up to my face (even getting momentarily concerned about the hairspray in my hair). Also playing with fire is Danik Abishev and his ladder-balancing act, which he performs with a seemingly infinite amount of zest. Abishev gets the entire crowd caught up in this delicate act which surprises and impresses with the strength he possesses and the incredible things the human body is capable of.

Jarred Dewey shines as usual on the aerial trapeze while donning a pair of sparkling blue stilettos, with his hair and make-up, and performance transporting you to a classic big top fantasy. It seems impossible for a body to move at those speeds, at those heights and get into those positions, striking poses while he hangs on the trapeze with just an armpit or the bridge of his feet. Similarly, Soliana amazes with her contortionism that has you gasping at every moment as she twists her body into unbelievable arrangements.

There's a dazzling array of sexy costumes, particularly Dieter's outfits, and more specifically her My Body My Choice cape. Iva Rosebud's dresses bring vintage elegance to contemporary edginess that shatters our expectations of just how far she'll go. And it's a glorious spectacle to behold.

The live Haus Band, along with Dieter's vocals, covers a range of genres and styles, creating a well-rounded experience where music and performances seamlessly unite. Her rendition of Nick Cave's "Into My Arms" is an emotional reminder that while we’re here to have fun and enjoy the festivities, there’s a lot of shit going on in the world, and the only way to overcome it is by coming together and looking out for each other.

Club Kabarett offers a space for people to embrace who they truly are and wave their flags with pride, empowering them to carry that newfound strength and conviction into the outside. Dieter has given Melbourne an invaluable gift with this avant-garde production, and one can hope that this energy and confidence will ripple outward via the audience, reaching the communities and individuals who need our voices of support and unity more than ever.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Meat Market, 3 Blackwood St, North Melbourne
Season: until 11 May | Tues - Fri 7.30pm, Sat 5pm & 8pm, Sun 6pm

Duration: 110 minutes with interval
Tickets: $53 - $115
Bookings: Meat Market

Image credit: Cameron Grant