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Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett review: the ultimate saucy Soho spectacle

Host Bernie Dieter gets into the crowd at Bernie Dieter's Club Kabarett

I don’t know about you, but when I think about London’s Soho, I expect ripped fishnet tights, the world’s best male pole dancing, and perhaps spinning sister acrobats writhing from the roof. 

Bernie Dieter brings her ragtag crew of circus stars to Soho until January 2024.

Which is why the newly opened Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is the perfect addition to Soho’s nightlife. It delivers all of the above and then some with full camp confidence, set in the wonderful new Underbelly Boulevard live venue, following sell-out seasons in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Japan. Now, the specatacle couldn’t seem more at home in its new limited-time Soho residence, where it will stay until January 2024.

Bernie gets close to the crowd | Credit: Craig Sudgen

The show itself is a dazzling combination of saucy circus acts, acrobatics and provocative sideshows, soundtracked by a Weimar-punk jazz band and led by enigmatic Bernie Dieter, a badass cabaret compere hailing from Köln, Germany and described as a mix of Marlene Dietrich, Lady Gaga and Frank N. Furter, and the “undisputed Queen of punk cabaret”. Clad in sequins, studs, feathers and fishnets, she seamlessly takes us from one incredible act to the next – all with dark tongue in cheek comedy and while displaying impressive vocal talents.

With Dieter as its ringleader, the show is immersive as it is a circus spectacle to be ooh-ed and ah-ed. In fact, no more than five minutes into the show, four men from the audience are stroking a limb each, before being made to carry her aloft to the middle of the stage, stilettos to the ceiling. 

That feeling of being part of the show is only heightened by the Underbelly Boulevard theatre itself, a brand new entertainment space in the heart of the West End, comprising an 360 degree performance venue, a bar and restaurant, as well as daytime hire for events. It’s a beautiful venue, with its immersive circular seating around the stage making it the perfect place to get up close to cabaret, variety and music performances. 

Bernie Dieter's Club Kabarett
Bella Diosa performs fantastic fire stunts | Credit: Craig Sudgen

What follows are some seriously impressive, world-class circus and variety acts. Blue Phoenix – otherwise known as the winner of Mr Pole Dance World in 2022 – displays strength and style on the pole – and all in 12-inch heels, aerial duo The Seifert Sisters wow us intertwined together, right above our heads, while Bella Diosa performs fire-eating, hair hanging and contortion you may just need to watch through your fingers. 

The Siefert Sisters perform awe-inspiring aerial acrobatics | Credit: Craig Sugden

It all makes for an unforgettable night out – and a perfect sexy-quirky-comic cabaret addition to Soho’s nightlife. Catch the Kabarett while you can – you’re in for an immersive, in-your-face extravaganza. 

Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarrett runs until 6th 2024 at Underbelly Boulevard, 6 Walke’s Court, London W1F 0BT. Tickets here.

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