International cabaret icon Bernie Dieter returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with Club Kabarett, a genre-defying spectacle of music, circus, and dark comedy. Known for her powerhouse vocals and razor-sharp wit, Dieter leads a cast of world-class performers in a show that’s as provocative as it is inclusive.
Inspired by the wild spirit of Weimar Berlin, Club Kabarett is a celebration of freedom, rebellion, and the beautifully bizarre. Expect fire-breathing burlesque, aerial artistry, and a punk cabaret experience like no other.
Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett runs from 2–23 August (excluding 11th and 18th) at The Beauty Spiegeltent, Underbelly Circus Hub. Tickets available here.
You’re bringing Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett to The Beauty Spiegeltent, Underbelly Circus Hub – what can you tell us about the show?
Club Kabarett is the hottest cabaret club East of Berlin, showcasing a dizzying collection of the most exceptional artists in the world. From gender-bending aerials to fire-breathing vamps, drag performance artists to toe-curling contortionists, all backed by me and my Weimar punk haus band.
Your performances are known for blending cabaret, circus, and dark comedy – how do you strike that balance between provocation and inclusivity?
I always strive to make everyone feel safe in my club. No matter who they are, where they come from, what they believe in, they are my guests and I take care of them.
Once people feel welcome, have a drink in hand, are laughing and enjoying themselves, they are also more open to hearing some of the political messages that run throughout the show and to embrace the naughtiness and debauchery that they may never have come across before.
Club Kabarett draws inspiration from Weimar-era Berlin. What draws you to that period, and how do you bring it into the modern day?
I was born in Germany, and my Oma’s family actually owned a travelling circus, so German performance history has always been something that I’ve really connected with.
Sadly, we are living in a time now that is eerily similar to Weimar Berlin. With the rise of right-wing politics and attitudes all over the world, cabaret as an art form is more relevant than ever. It has always celebrated diversity, championed the outsiders, and rebelled through satire and social commentary.
It offers people an escape from the scary realities we are living with, a safe space to be whoever they truly are, and somewhere to drink, to laugh and to connect with other humans, which is something we all desperately need right now.
You’ve toured the world with this show – from Melbourne to Budapest to Japan. How does the Edinburgh Fringe audience compare?
Edinburgh Fringe audiences are incredible because they are so diverse. I have performed in Edinburgh many times over the years – from hosting La Clique to bringing my own show ‘Little Death Club’ to the Underbelly Spiegeltent in 2019 – and the shows in Edinburgh are always wild and unpredictable, which I love.
People come from all over the world to this festival, but they all come with open arms and with a spirit of embracing art in all its forms, which is very special and truly unique.
The cast features some incredible talent – from fire-breathers to aerialists. What’s it like working with such a diverse and daring ensemble?
I am lucky enough to have some incredibly talented friends from all over the world. We meet in dive bars, back alleys and festivals everywhere from Vegas to the West End, and they become part of the Club Kabarett family.
I look for acts with unique skills and a cheeky personality that embraces our celebration of all punks, freaks and weirdos. Every night, standing on stage with them, they still blow me away with their talents.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett?
I would say get in quick darlings, this is one hell of a show, one hell of a party, and I can’t wait to see you there.
