Dietrich: Natural Duty
Dietrich: Natural Duty
85%
85%
(34 Ratings)
Positive
94%
Mixed
6%
Negative
0%
Members say
Absorbing, Great acting, Great singing, Intelligent, Entertaining

About the Show

In Peter Groom's one-(wo)man cabaret show, it's 1942, on the battlefields of North Africa, where Marlene Dietrich takes the stage to fight the war her way, with a mix of songs, sequins, sex, and sympathy. 

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Critic Reviews (10)

BroadwayWorld
January 26th, 2018
For a previous production

"An intoxicating cabaret...An eclectic event that is sure to excite...Groom brightens up the room with their effervescence...Groom takes his time, moving with an absolute precision and this level of character depth is wonderful to witness...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...It's funny, charming and its delicate creation makes it a show not to be missed."
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L
January 26th, 2018
For a previous production

"Groom’s Dietrich came across as a breath of fresh air, unafraid to tell it like it is. I particularly liked the frank and perceptive observations about the acting profession. The lack of sentimentality was, truth be told, quite marvellous...Groom has an excellent stage presence, and the rapport with the audience was warm and positive throughout. A poignant and provocative production, this show oozes passion. A triumphant portrayal of a most colourful life."
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Live Theatre UK
August 28th, 2018
For a previous production

"It’s well-written, delivered with panache and has a serious moral core...Groom holds attention...and doesn’t let it go for a second in the next 60 minutes...Groom and Gully have realised that this isn’t a paint-by-numbers biopic, and it’s a 60 minute show. So the bulk of the material concerns Marlene’s war work...It’s also arrestingly performed. Groom commands the stage and is the essence of Dietrich. The songs are simply and affectingly performed."
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G
August 15th, 2018
For a previous production

"It would be wrong to call it an impersonation. That doesn’t do justice to the subtle, nuanced delicacy of his languid, sensuous portrayal of the singer and film star...Peter is Marlene- a faultless performance of thoughtfulness...His stunning portrayal will introduce a whole new generation to the immortal Marlene."
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A
January 25th, 2018
For a previous production

"Groom provides an authentic and mesmerisingly glamorous impersonation of the film and stage star in both his consummate delivery of a considerable number of her much-loved songs, as well as recounting extraordinary events from her life story...Groom and his director, Gully, certainly bring us authenticity in the costume department as well as in the well-chosen and well-sung songs. A riveting and well-honed performance that offers real insights into an icon."
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British Theatre Guide
August 10th, 2018
For a previous production

"The show is constructed in the form of a concert of Dietrich’s most famous songs interspersed with insights into her life but very much from her perspective. Beautifully acted, this is as close to meeting Dietrich in real life as you would probably get...This is a mesmerising performance from a consummate entertainer about an enigmatic performer who will always remain a little mysterious—but no less alluring for that. A must see."
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T
January 27th, 2018
For a previous production

"An intoxicating mix of theatre, cabaret, and drag...Groom as Marlene exuded well deserved confidence. He comfortably held the audience and created a vivid and dimensional character...At a compact and well used 60 minutes, this show is the ideal length for a one (wo)man performance and keeps the audience engaged throughout. It’s a well crafted piece of theatre that sits comfortably in its current environment."
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A Younger Theatre
January 31st, 2018
For a previous production

"A one-(wo)man performance of potency, power, and punch...Groom gives a glorious, highly authentic performance...The performance itself dynamically showcases snippets of Marlene’s narrative as it weds song with soliloquy, sorrow with sass, history and heroism...Culminating with an earth-quaking speech riddled with the ugliness of fowl experience...A multifaceted, truly marvellous show with a stupendous actor at its head. It is definitely one not to be missed."
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