If there are any artistes that should be admired for the strength, skill and drive to deliver excellence, then it’s Bernie Dieter’s troupe of performers. These entertainers must be powered by jet fuel. The women have an air of the femme fatale about them, the guys have the matinee idol looks; the girls are lithe and the boys are strong.
The whole show – hosted by Dieter – has a sexual tension to it that she builds by delivering songs in between the stunning set pieces on the high wire and arial hoop. Her vocal range is incredible, think Ute Lemper meets Marlene Dietrich and you have it. Dieter is an exceptional talent driving the show accompanied by a band that creates a wonderful throbbing beat.
A highlight being a song where Dieter performs a very clever, witty and satirical number about the Covid crisis called “Everyone Wants To Touch Me” teasing a gentleman in the audience to do just that, but then she squirts some sanitiser into her hand, and only then hold hands with the gentleman, which received a wonderful cheer and an applause partnered with foot-stomping praise.
Dieter is a mistress of mayhem, elegance and chic. People are craving entertainment and with this show they get just that. It’s also very clear that this is an homage to Isherwood’s Berlin: Raunchy, sexy, daring and totally fabulous! A slick production in a swanky part of town. A worthy festival headliner.
*****
Bernie Dieter’s Berlin Underground runs to Sunday 29th August at the Spiegeltent, Underbelly Festival, Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PU. Tickets from www.underbellyfestival.com/whats-on/berlin-underground
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