There are shows that entertain, and then there are shows that grab you by the throat, pull you into their world, and dare you to let go of your inhibitions.
Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is firmly the latter – an electrifying, deliciously subversive night that transforms the Cobblestone Pavilion at the Meat Market into a riot of sound, spectacle, and unapologetic self-expression.
The venue itself feels like part of the performance. The barrel-vaulted ceiling looms overhead like a cathedral to decadence, its historic bones lending a raw, atmospheric charm that perfectly complements the show’s Weimar-inspired chaos. It’s immersive before a single note is sung.
At the centre of it all is Bernie Dieter. Equal parts ringmaster, rebel, and vocal powerhouse, she commands the stage with magnetic intensity. Her voice alone could carry the evening: rich, raspy, and capable of both thunder and tenderness – but it’s her presence that truly captivates. Whether belting out her original songs or reimagining iconic anthems, she walks the line between cabaret glamour and punk defiance with effortless authority.
Backing her is a razor-sharp three-piece band that pulses through the show like a heartbeat, giving every moment a sense of urgency and grit. The music doesn’t just accompany the acts – it drives them, elevating each performance into something visceral and alive.
And what a cast of performers surrounds her. This is not just a line-up; it’s a beautifully curated chaos of talent. Soliana Erse bends reality as much as her own body, delivering contortion work that feels almost surreal in its precision. Jacqueline Furey ignites the stage (sometimes literally) with a fearless blend of danger and allure that keeps the audience teetering between awe and disbelief.
Iva Rosebud brings a layered, avant-garde sensibility, weaving together drag, theatre, and performance art into something strikingly original. Jarred Dewey floats through the air with a grace that borders on hypnotic, his aerial work offering moments of quiet beauty amid the show’s riotous energy.
The international additions only heighten the spectacle. Caleb Cameron’s tap dancing is nothing short of explosive: rhythmic, inventive, and delivered with a charisma that lights up the room. Melissa Lee’s hair suspension act is as jaw-dropping as it is haunting, pushing the boundaries of what the human body can endure and express.
Yet for all its debauchery and daring, Club Kabarett has a beating heart. Beneath the glitter, the fire, and the provocation lies a clear and resonant message – one of consent, identity, inclusivity, and liberation. It’s a celebration of difference, a rejection of constraint, and an invitation to embrace the parts of ourselves we’re often told to hide.
The emotional peak arrives in a stunning rendition of Into My Arms, where Dieter strips everything back and lets vulnerability take centre stage. It’s a moment of stillness that lands with unexpected force, made even more powerful by the audience’s palpable connection.
And just when you think the night couldn’t offer anything more, the encore – a traditional drinking song in homage to her Oma – brings everyone together in a joyful, communal release. Club Kabarett doesn’t just entertain – it liberates.
Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett
Meat Market, 3 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne
Performance: Thursday 23 April 2026
Season continues to 24 May 2026
Information and Bookings: www.clubkabarett.flicket.io
Images: Bernie Dieter and her ‘Haus Band’ – photo by Jacinta Oaten | Bernie Dieter and Jacqueline Furey – photo by Jacinta Oaten | Soliana Erse photo by Jacinta Oaten | Caleb Cameron photo by Jacinta Oaten | The Cast of Club Kabarett – photo by Jacinta Oaten
Review: Rohan Shearn