Cabaret superstar Reuben Kaye returns to the Fringe with his new show, a whirlwind of political comedy, powerhouse vocals and glittery costumes. Previous shows have experienced sell-out runs and award wins, and this year seems to be no different, with the Palais du Variete packed out on a Wednesday evening.
Kaye tells the story of how he was hospitalised with exhaustion after almost 300 performances as King Herod in an Australian tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, but there is no sign of this on stage. He commands the room, knowing exactly when to pause for effect or wait for a joke to land. There are several moments where he flutters his false lashes and enjoys the ripples of laughter, in total control of the energy in the theatre. Kaye’s style of comedy cabaret is famously outrageous, and this extends to his costumes – he enters wearing a pink and gold glitter suit with a pair of backless trousers, swinging a microphone with a long blonde ponytail. One quick onstage change later, utilising a member of the audience as a mic stand, and he struts around for the rest of the show in platform heels.
The jokes themselves are no less outrageous, with the audience often laughing and groaning simultaneously. No subject is off limits, although an Ann Widdecombe punchline feels a little too close to the bone even for him. He pokes fun at Andrew Tate and toxic masculinity in the manosphere, compares Nigel Farage to an enema, and relates the current rise of fascism to the beginnings of Nazi ideology. Kaye’s skill is that he manages to keep the audience on side throughout, interspersing the most biting comedic moments with original songs which show off his incredible vocals. Backed by a four-piece live band, the musical intervals range from powerful ballads to comedy songs, displaying admirable range. There are also genuinely heartwarming moments here, particularly when he describes being cared for by a Palestinian doctor in a Jewish hospital in Berlin, or when an encounter with drunken men late at night has a positive ending.
There’s no one quite like Reuben Kaye, and his show is a must-see at this festival.
Reuben Kaye: Hard to Swallow runs at Palais du Variete, Assembly George Square Gardens until 29th August (not 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd or 24th) with tickets available at https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/hard-to-swallow-reuben-kaye
Reviewer: Torya Hughes
Reviewed: 12th August 2026
North West End UK / Theatre Muse UK Rating: