Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

Review: DIETRICH: NATURAL DUTY, VAULT Festival

Review: DIETRICH: NATURAL DUTY, VAULT Festival

Review: DIETRICH: NATURAL DUTY, VAULT Festival There is an intoxicating cabaret currently residing in the VAULT Fest Pit. Actor and dancer Peter Groom has created a blend of theatre, cabaret and drag to produce a show that questions one's own ethical and moral compass. A story detailing the life of Germany's most famous woman, Dietrich: Natural Duty is an eclectic event that is sure to excite.

Donning a shimmering full-length gown, Groom brightens up the room with their effervescence. The dripping walls provide the perfect backdrop of this story; after all it is a tale of a Hollywood megastar flung into the trenches to fight with the boys on the frontline, whilst still retaining all their glamour.

We know it's a man performing as a woman, however there are instances when you believe that you're actually watching Marlene Dietrich. The reason for this is that it's all so polished and refined. Groom takes his time, moving with an absolute precision and this level of character depth is wonderful to witness.

The best thing about the performance is that it's all sung live. Using his background in musical theatre training, Groom hits every note and demonstrates an impressive vocal range, whilst also using the tracks as a method to tell the story of Dietrich's adventurous life.

By implementing this he makes the audience laugh, but also more importantly, he makes them think and consider what life must have been like for people during the Second World War. It also makes one ponder what it must have felt like to go from serving your country, back to a mundane everyday citizen existence.

Leaving nothing to chance, it is clear that a lot of research has gone into this show, and this professionalism really pays off. Despite all the preparation, Groom still takes moments to interact with the audience, and these spontaneous discussions add an extra layer of brilliance.

Cabaret can sometimes have the preconception of it being cheap or of an amateurish quality, but this production exudes class and excellence. This one-(wo)man show is an exploration of an icon, and feels acutely in tune with our current political crisis.

It's funny, charming and its delicate creation makes it a show not to be missed.

Dietrich: Natural Duty at the VAULT Festival until 28 January

Photo credit: Peter Groom



MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG At Southwark Playhouse Leads NYMT Season Of Summer Musicals Photo
This summer, National Youth Music Theatre will present three major musicals. Learn more about the full lineup here!

World Première Of Raminder Kaurs BREADTH Will Open At Omnibus Theatre Photo
Sohaya Vision alongside Mukul and Ghetto Tigers have announced the world première of breaDth at Omnibus Theatre. Written by Raminder Kaur, Artistic Director of Sohaya Vision, and directed by Mukul Ahmed, Artistic Director of Mukul and Ghetto Tigers, the production opens on 17 May with previews from 16 May and runs until 3 June.

Musical Adaptation Of Michael Morpurgos PIGS MIGHT FLY Will Embark On UK Tour Photo
The musical adaptation of PIGS MIGHT FLY from Michael Morpurgo's Mudpuddle Farm with book, music & lyrics by Caroline Wigmore and Jen Green will embark on a UK Tour from 30 May 2023, directed by Kate Golledge.

 Ally Pally Throws Its 150th Birthday Party In May Photo
To celebrate 150 years since London's iconic Alexandra Palace first opened its doors back on 24 May 1873, Ally Pally will be hosting a massive free party, for all ages, featuring family entertainment, music and cinema, amongst a host of other activities.


From This Author - Charlie Wilks


Review: PINOCCHIO, Unicorn TheatreReview: PINOCCHIO, Unicorn Theatre
November 23, 2022

The Unicorn Theatre’s Xmas pantomime has been dazzling audiences for years. Bright colours, holiday cheer and a well-known tale turned on their head are regular features here; and this time it’s the turn of the famous wooden chap, Pinocchio, to get their moment in the spotlight. They’ve had this spotlight quite a lot recently, with many big budget films released to high acclaim. For this theatre in London Bridge, Eve Leigh has put her own twist on the beloved story. It’s a piece full of heart and hope, with the spirit of solidarity at its core.

Review: LIFE OF PI, Wyndham's TheatreReview: LIFE OF PI, Wyndham's Theatre
October 12, 2022

A cargo ship sinks in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, causing misery and pain to all involved. Amongst the survivors is a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi; accompanying him is a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger – all of whom are attempting to co-inhabit a small lifeboat. It sounds extraordinarily unbelievable, but surely even in the most surreal there is truth to be found. It is up to Lulu Chen and Mr Okamoto – lawyers hired by the ships firm – to get to the bottom of this magical mystery.

Review: WHO KILLED MY FATHER, Young VicReview: WHO KILLED MY FATHER, Young Vic
September 12, 2022

Èdouard Louis’ book about love and anger is loved around the world. In the story, a son returns home to his remote part of northern France.

Review: SILENCE, Donmar WarehouseReview: SILENCE, Donmar Warehouse
September 8, 2022

Following a rebellion against the British in 1857, resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands of Indians and Britain’s, the Crown established a viceroy system over India, affirming its hold over the population.

Review: PROM 4: CYNTHIA ERIVO: LEGENDARY VOICES, Royal Albert HallReview: PROM 4: CYNTHIA ERIVO: LEGENDARY VOICES, Royal Albert Hall
July 18, 2022

Cynthia Erivo, just a few weeks away from beginning rehearsal for the Wicked movie, in which she is playing Elphaba, pops into BBC Proms to give audiences a night they'll never forget. The Grammy, Emmy and Tony award-winning artist provides the audience with special renditions of some of her favourite songs, backed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Edwin Outwater.