German performer Bernie Dieter returns to London with her newest cabaret creation, bringing with her an enticing troupe of acrobats and stunt performers. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this bundle of laughs piece was actually a comedy of errors.
Mama doesn’t even have an inkling that I’m working in a nightclub in a pair of lacy pants… No, I wasn’t quoting anything – I just needed to get that out of my chest. And something else out of my… Moving on… Close your eyes for a moment and try to picture London’s Soho. What’s the first thought that comes to mind? Exactly – you’re a perv. But the second one may be entertainment. Or maybe liberation. Or maybe just simply fun. Well, if those are the things you’re looking for (including the first one), there might be a small venue in the heart of the district willing to fulfill those unresolved fantasies. And no, it’s not Sweatbox.
Open yourself (take that as you want…) to Club Kabarett, the new intimate variety show designed to serve as, perhaps, your Christmas wet gift (it’s a rainy city, after all…). Starring German performer and Emcee Bernie Dieter, the piece doesn’t break any promises as for what it advertises. What you see is basically what you’ll get: live music, a few impressive acrobatics and a whole lot of depravity – it’s divine! You’ll even grasp it (literally) if you’re not careful!
Starting with the usual leave your troubles outside number (I wonder how many times Fred Ebb’s trust have tried to milk that… not what you’re thinking…), a petite yet engaging enough montage is about to unravel. Exhilarating renditions of stunts and contortionism will light and trigger the spark (which is out to get you!) of quite a lively, amusing work – enhanced by enjoyable songs interpreted altogether with, I must say, refreshingly flawless vocal technique.
A beautiful, sometimes engaging repertoire to begin with, this however poses as what may be the production’s only problem – as despite its melodic allure, several compositions do not seem entirely right for the narrative; sometimes, not even providing any whatsoever. Nonetheless, the absence of more proper and, all in all, satisfying pacing is more or less balanced out by the remarkable physicality of the show – regaling us with more than a few moments where risk, shock and magic combine their strength to intoxicate our senses through tension, wonder and surprise.
A short, yet often compelling piece of feel-good theatrical amusement, Club Kabarett has landed as an easy, exciting creation that, though not delivering too much poignancy, includes sufficient elements to make it gratifying and, on a few occasions, even memorable. There’s still a path to follow if they want to take it to the next level, as a more attractive and, above all, crafted storytelling would endow it with the distinction it’s not been able to achieve yet. Regardless, you’ll taste the wine, you’ll hear the band and someone will blow your horn (though that may happen after it’s finished). So for this one, it may be worth putting down the knitting, the book and the broom.
Club Kabarett plays at London’s Underbelly Boulevard Soho until 6 January. Tickets are available on the following link.