DIVA spoke to the cabaret artist about this exciting new show
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY ALEXIS D LEA
Bernie Dieter returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with Club Kabarett — a bold, seductive spiegeltent spectacular blending dark comedy, circus and Weimar-inspired cabaret. With powerhouse vocals, wild acts, and fierce inclusivity, this sell-out show celebrates non-conformity, pleasure and provocation in a dazzling, genre-bending riot of music, mayhem and joy.
We spoke to Bernie ahead of the Fringe to find out more about this new show.
You’re bringing your brand-new Club Kabarett to Edinburgh – how would you describe the show in three words?
Rebellious, raunchy and awe-inspiring.
Your shows are known for being wild, sexy, and fearless. What makes this one extra special?
Me and my live band are really the beating heart of the show. The music is loud, unapologetic and is specifically curated to tell the stories of the incredible performers we are working with.
Club Kabarett features everything from fire-breathers to aerialists — how do you choose the acts that share your stage?
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.
You say this show is a “celebration of non-conformity”. Why is that message so important right now?
We are living at a time when we are being told that “difference” is something we should be afraid of. Being polarised, separated, isolated, when what we need more than ever is to find each other and realise that our differences are beautiful and we actually all have way more in common than we realise.
For someone who’s never seen you perform before, what can they expect when they walk into the Spiegeltent?
Red lights, thick haze, a rocking band, a drag queen draped over the bar- the beginning of a night where anything could happen.
What message do you have for the LGBTQIA+ community coming to the Fringe this year?
Though there is some scary shit happening around the world, this is the time to come together, to be open, to lead with love and to let our voices be heard above the noise.
Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett will be at The Beauty at Underbelly’s Circus Hub from 1 – 23 August. Tickets available here https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/bernie-dieters-club-kabarett-1
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