Review by Katherine McIntyre

Underbelly Circus Hub

In a world that often feels brittle and closed-off, Club Kabarett is a glorious act of defiance—a glitter-drenched, gin-soaked celebration of connection, chaos, and unapologetic joy. Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is more than a show; it’s a living, breathing organism that pulses with life, lust, and radical tenderness. If you think you’re ready for this – have another shot and then come back.

At the centre of The Beauty in the Meadows is Bernie herself, a magnetic force of nature whose voice moves effortlessly between smoky ballads and punk-infused anthems. Her songs— provocative and deeply personal—explore themes of desire, autonomy, and the absurdities of modern existence. Emotion here isn’t shunned or subtle, it’s allowed to flourish and capture whatever mood takes us. Audiences will laugh, cry, and get angry – as they damn well should. Delivered with razor-sharp wit and emotional depth, each number feels like a confession, a provocation, and a rallying cry all at once. Her presence is commanding, her timing impeccable, and her ability to hold the room in the palm of her hand is nothing short of a masterful demonstration of emceeing.

Unleashing a gaggle of sluts, freaks, harlots, sirens, and mistresses, the ensemble cast is a kaleidoscope of international talent – from Danik Abishev, who stuns with gravity-defying hand-balancing, to the incredible Soliana Ersie’s twisting contortions with balletic grace. Filthy fun and art form straddle one another with Jarred Dewey and Jacqueline Furey, the former floating through the air with haunting elegance, whilst Furey ignites the stage with fire and ferocity, and a firm command for the art of burlesque. And then there’s the glimmering jewel of Iva Rosebud, who delivers a drag act that’s equal parts camp and catharsis. Each performer brings their own brand of brilliance, and the show’s structure allows them to shine without ever losing momentum or placing too much emphasis on single acts.

Behind the scenes, the production is a marvel of slick coordination. Transitions between acts are seamless, the lighting seductive, and the live band—Bernie’s house ensemble—provides a pounding, glittering soundtrack that elevates every moment. The stage management team deserves special praise for their precision and polish; the show runs like a well-oiled machine, even as it revels in glorious unpredictability.

What makes Club Kabarett truly special, though, is its ethos. While it proudly celebrates the freaks, the sluts, and the beautifully unconventional, it also extends a hand to anyone willing to be open—to feel, to laugh, to connect. It’s a space where vulnerability is met with warmth, where strangers become co-conspirators. Audience participation is wild and unpredictable, yet always consensual and celebratory. You don’t just watch this show—you’re absorbed into it.

In a festival brimming with spectacle, Club Kabarett stands out as a beacon of artistry, inclusivity, and human connection. It’s cabaret at its most decadent, circus at its most daring, and theatre at its most emotionally resonant. Bernie Dieter and her ensemble have created something truly unforgettable—and if you’re lucky enough to step inside, you’ll leave transformed.

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