On a balmy night in Perth with the misting fans keeping the audience cool, 'Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett' took over the stage, offering an unforgettable evening filled with love, energy, laughter and plenty of the unexpected (I never knew you could do that with wine bottles).
The pre-show involved audience members unceremoniously having their personality labelled, sad to say I was just a 'punk'.
After a rousing vocal performance with live band to start the show, the leanest acrobat in the world nonchalantly balanced on one hand, waving a fan to stay cool. Then enter the fire-breather, her cheeky performance was worth the price of admission alone.
Next, a French opera vibe, effortlessly shifting from comedy to elegance, offering something more theatrical. The performance brought a refined contrast to the more raw and energetic moments that followed, and what about that red dress. The show continued to build with a atmospheric, energetic and powerful performance on the ropes, which threatened the laws of gravity.
I was looking for the Witch Doctor hiding in the crowd as contortionist extraordinaire Soliana Ersie brought something darker and more sensual into the show. This act was as mysterious as it was fascinating, with a physicality that left you wondering how a body can stretch, bend, and twist like that – you just can’t look away.
No one is safe from the playful chaos of the night, audience participation is mandatory and the show all the better for it. The health and safety officer’s blood pressure must have been 180 as crowd members executed the most awkward fireman’s carry in history, leaving the host of the show in peril. The costumes throughout the performance were stunning, nothing short of works of art, often with a powerful message, amplifying the character and energy of the performer.
The skilled acrobatics continued with a ladder routine that again bought oohs and aahs and some wonderful audience connection. And then there was the lightsaber moment, definitely not for the kids.
The finale was nothing short of mesmerising as intertwined bodies suspended from each other. It was a jaw-dropping feat of physicality and artistry that brought the show’s routines to a breathtaking close.
'Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett' created a room full of smiles and laughter, with bold unexpected performances tied together with live music and singing, audience participation, comedy and love. It was a night of energy, and pure joy, and one you won’t want to miss. It'll leave you craving cream cake for days.
Words: Daniel Holgate
