Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett – Underbelly’s Circus Hub

International cabaret star Bernie Dieter returns to the Fringe with her spectacular line up of performers. Prepare for full frontal nudity, bodily fluids and death-defying stunts, all wrapped in sequins and served with a shot of pizazz.

Club Kabarett is a show which begins from the moment you enter the tent. Impossibly glamorous performers strut amongst the audience, handing out flags labelled “slut” or “freak”, whilst certain members of the crowd are clearly rethinking their front row seating choices. However, when Bernie herself bursts onto the stage clad in head-to-toe sequins, she quickly makes it clear that no one is safe. This a cabaret which encourages interaction, some of it deeply touching. Bernie expertly shifts the mood from comedy to pathos, asking us to hold the hand of a stranger, because “you never know when they might really need it”. She has an incredible singing voice, owning the stage in a number of solos as well as underscoring many of the other acts.

And what acts they are – Bernie has assembled a selection of world class performers, each with a talent that will leave you awed, inspired or slightly traumatised. Soliana Erse draws gasps from the audience with her contortion act, twisting herself into seemingly impossible positions. She moves so fluidly that it appears she might not have a spine, yet also shows off her strength with some impressive balances. Performing on both pole and trapeze, Jared Dewey is another jaw dropping circus star. He struts onto the stage in sky high platform heels, clouded in chiffon, then performs both routines with power and control. A lesser seen act at cabarets is Caleb Cameron’s tap routine. Rave music and tap dance don’t quite seem to fit in the same sentence, but he dances to Darude’s Sandstorm and makes it look easy. The incredibly glamorous Jacqueline Furey oozes confidence in her performances, showing off both sword swallowing and fire eating. Finally, Iva Rosebud delivers some of the more surprising moments of the night, all whilst looking like a moustachioed 1940s pin up girl. The whole thing is ably supported by a three-piece live band, and the excellent lighting design adds to the atmosphere of each performance.

For a night of pure joy, breathtaking stunts and glorious escapism, look no further than Club Kabarett.

Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett runs at The Beauty at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows until 29th August, with tickets available at https://www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/bernie-dieters-club-kabarett-26

Reviewer: Torya Hughes

Reviewed: 23rd August 2026

North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating: