FRINGE REVIEW: Bernie Dieter’s "Little Death Club" is dangerous, devilish debauchery
There’s a reason why Bernie Dieter is known as “the mistress of mayhem” and “queen of Fringe”. Little Death Club is what I’d describe as the love child of a mad genius and wicked seductress – fierce, ravenous and excited to push the boundaries of traditional cabaret. Prepare to get hot and sticky among 600 other eager attendees seated in the West Australian Spiegeltent, drinking in the raucousness and jubilant shenanigans that is Bernie Dieter’s Little Death Club.
Dressed in dangerous black, Bernie Dieter’s relaxed, almost lazy stage presence was enviable, yet empowering and intriguing from the moment she prowled on stage. Backed by the steady thumps of her incredible live band, her electrifying, slightly-insane air of confidence was infectious. The purr of her lewd dialogue, furnished by a thick, salacious German accent established a fresh sense of excitement that did not falter throughout the night.
A whole lot of variety is jam-packed into this outrageously entertaining cabaret. Bernie Dieter’s Little Death Club features deathly strong yet vulnerable contortionist Michael Standen, hair-hanging aerial acrobat Fancy Chance, sensually hot human heatwave Jacqueline Furey, hilariously sassy Ocker drag queen Art Simone, plus the divine mistress of mayhem herself. You can expect multiple gasps, shrieks and uncontrollable laughter at the never-ending audacity that ropes you in and leaves you wanting more.
What’s best about this hour of chaotic bliss is that Bernie Dieter is truly the mastermind behind the show, with all the music originally written by herself. It would almost be an understatement to describe her as a vocal powerhouse, with her incredible belts and gorgeous vibrato leaving us all in awe. Bernie Dieter truly had the audience in the palm of her hand throughout the entire show, which she used to her advantage time after time again. Getting three male audience members to carry her up on stage and even do a dance with her was a fantastically ambitious feat that she unsurprisingly achieved. Although I had the pleasure of saying hello and thank you after the show, I was far too starstruck to say much else.
It would be a shame to miss out on such an exceptionally eccentric and daringly different cabaret this Fringe season. Do yourself a favour and get tickets now – the remaining shows will sell out before you know it.