Bernie Dieter’s Little Death Club is a raunchy cabaret, hosted by the ‘gin-soaked’ woman herself. The show has little narrative but is a collection of freakshow- type acts to get the audience laughing, gasping and exhilarated in the versatile Spiegeltent at the Underbelly Festival Southbank.
The opening song was off to a surprisingly slow start and didn’t represent the rest of the spectacle. Close your eyes and you’ll feel like you’re at a Lady Gaga concert, Dieter and Gaga’s vocal resemblance is uncanny. Dragging men onto the stage (by carrying her), she set the tone with hysterical observations, flashing dick pics and belting out their original songs, all the while not taking herself too seriously. No one in the audience is safe from Dieter and her contagious energy.
The five other artists brought their own talents to the table. Each act was completely unexpected almost faultless. Aerial and Contortionist Beau Sargent blew me away. He was breath-taking and dripping with confidence. Nearing the end of the show, his aerial performance was particularly poignant and added depth to this otherwise light-hearted performance. Phenomenal.
Kitty Bang Bang certainly gave Little Death a different vibe, the ‘Bearded Lady’ – I won’t tell you where the beard was- being a less tasteful but equally entertaining act! Bang Bang’s fire-breathing was nothing less than astonishing and I could happily watch her wide-eyed all night.
Mime artist Josh Clanc is a natural comedian. A complete contrast to the previous acts, the mime scene did lose some pace but was enjoyable nonetheless. Myra Dubois was truly a ‘siren of South Yorkshire’, her voice can surely be heard for miles! She is hilarious and feisty - I look forward to seeing more of her.
Lastly, Fancy Change, described as the ‘Hair Hanging Dynamo’ is a unique
performer and had the entire audience on the end of their seats. The risk she takes for our benefit is most certainly appreciated.
The band; Mark Elton, Jonathon Kitching, Ed Bussey and Matt Isaac brought so much liveliness to the stage, they were cleverly integrated in yet did not distract from the performances. Being in the round, it is occasionally difficult to balance the sound around the venue and at times (such as the first song), the music drowned out Bernie Dieter from where I was sitting.
Some acts could be fine-tuned to perfection, but ultimately, it is a magnificent cabaret. If you’re a fan of the Greatest Showman, but open to nudity, then you’ll love The Little Death Club.
Review by Hannah Storey
Rating: ★★★★
Seat: Unallocated (Standard seats) | Price of Ticket: £21.50
