Camp, Confidence and Pop Theatre: Sam Quealy Live in Berlin
Berlin’s Frannz Club was filled with curious faces on February 27th, 2026, drawn by the promise of Sam Quealy’s eccentric take on modern pop with her "JAWBREAKER" Tour. From the first note to the final encore, the evening was a celebration of electronic pop, queer energy and theatrical performance. The crowd was visibly diverse, a community that reflected the openness and inclusivity of Sam Quealy's artistry.
TEER ‒ A Dramatic Opening Act
Before Sam Quealy took over the stage, the evening began with a striking performance by TEER, a Nu‑Techno duo whose live show felt like a compressed club experience full of rave intensity and performance art sensibility. Rooted in avant‑pop and underground techno, TEER’s performance merged atmosphere and physicality, charging the room with raw emotion.
When Sam Quealy finally emerged with her two dancers, the venue was transformed into a playground of movement, colour and artistry. From the dramatic opening moments onward, she delivered a performance that blurred the lines between pop concert, dance production and performance art. Songs like "Clepto" immediately engaged the audience, complemented by a playful choreography as a dancer theatrically stole a pair of sunglasses from a fan in the front row.
Sam Quealy's command of the stage was physical and precise, with two background dancers who moved as collaborators rather than props. Split jumps, synchronised lifts and intricate partner formations brought a contemporary dance sensibility to the evening, showcasing her exceptional dance skills and athleticism. Tracks like "Flying Solo", dedicated to "all the independent girlies," balance empowerment with humour and self-awareness, while songs such as "Love Lasso" and "Valentine" maintain a constant energy that feels both ironic and sincere.
During the album's title song, "Jawbreaker", Quealy invited fan Hannah on stage, blurring the line between performer and audience and making her a part of the show and choreography. Her observation that "everyone who is coming to my concerts is always giving main character energy" summed up the spirit of the night and transitioned seamlessly into "Starlight", one of the evening's highlights.
The set flowed between bold lyrical content, polished electro-pop hooks and humorous, provocative moments. Quealy even cheekily introduced a track as "one of my finer lyrical pieces ... [laughs] it's about bl*wj*bs," reinforcing the playful, fearless energy that defined her performance. Songs like "Girls Night" and "Watch Me Now" kept the momentum up, leading to an encore of "Londontown," where she crowd surfed, a triumphant celebration between artist and audience.
Sam Quealy's charm lies not only in her musical and dance skills but also in her refusal to treat pop performances as rigid or overly serious. Her show embraced experimentation, humour and queer performance tradition, creating a space where theatricality and authenticity can coexist naturally.
LISTEN TO SAM QUEALY'S LATEST ALBUM "JAWBREAKER" HERE:
REVIEW & PHOTOS BY
Frederike
Pop culture is my passion, and concerts are my second home. At Unseen Magazine, I dive deep into underground scenes, uncover unheard voices and bring new artists into the spotlight. I aim to showcase Berlin's vibrant music scene and what the mainstream bubble hasn’t discovered (yet).
