Self-described “actress, model and award-winning cry for help” Reuben Kaye brings his new show to the Palais du Variete for its UK debut. An experienced and talented cabaret performer and comedian, Kaye has been impressing audiences and critics alike at the Fringe for several years now. He not only performs his own show, but also curates a late-night variety show amusingly titled The Kaye Hole.
He welcomes the audience individually at the door, towering above the crowd in sparkly stilettos and a ruffled shirt split to the waist. There isn’t a hint of the intimidation mentioned in the title of the show – but then the performance starts. Kaye stalks amongst the front rows like some sort of impossibly glamorous praying mantis looking for its next victim. Audience members are serenaded, flirted with, and at one point decorated with a feather boa. He oozes confidence and charisma and is clearly a master of crowd work. No one appears uncomfortable about being involved, and enthusiastic consent is sought and given for a point in the show where he perches coyly in a gentleman’s lap to sing to him.
Singing is a large part of this show – Kaye being in possession of a powerhouse voice and a talent for writing sharp and witty lyrics. The music is played live by a three-piece band, who also vamp their way through many of the comedy sections. He is unapologetically political and doesn’t shy away from touching on controversial subjects. Drawing on his childhood experiences and his family history, he manages to walk the line between outrageous and offensive with carefully judged skill. Kaye ends the show by imploring the audience to go and see people who don’t look or think like them, as “that’s the only way things will ever change”. It’s a timely message, given that we live in a world where intolerance and hatred seem to be becoming ever more prevalent, and a thought-provoking end to the evening. This show is not to be missed if you want to see a master of cabaret at work.
Reviewer: Torya Hughes
Reviewed: 7th August 2024
North West End UK Rating: