Australian comedian and artiste Reuben Kaye brings together a hand-picked lineup for a late-night queer cabaret that delivers everything you’d expect, and then a ton more fun on top.
Each line up is a surprise. Kaye’s guests share their individual talents, some dueting with him, yet the evening feels like a holistic, carefully curated show that stays true to its queer roots.
Even before the show begins, the on-stage banners pointing out Kaye’s own hole give a flavour of the wildness that awaits. But it’s when Kaye enters, commanding the stage in almost seven feet of drag glory, with a powerful singing voice backed by a live band, that the evening truly comes alive.
Kaye invites the audience to film and photograph freely, “because nothing exists if it’s not on social media,” proof that this is a performer who understands his audience completely.
Expect jaw-on-the-floor surprises and unforgettable moments at every turn. In fact, watching people’s reactions is half the fun.
The night I attended began with green ogre-themed burlesque from Swamplesque (no IP infringement here!), outrageous physical feats of hoopla and hula hoops from circus artist Tara Boom, thought provoking stand up from Rosie Jones, a cacophony of hilarious bodily fluid mania with Birds, and a uniquely artistic display of live shaving showmanship from David Pereira.
Woven within the outrageousness is a pointed commentary on LGBTQ+ rights and the increasingly non-inclusive direction of society. This felt like a rallying cry rather than preaching: passionate, intelligent and completely integrated into the entertainment.
It’s a room full of love for Kaye and the family he brings together each night. I expect this is a show audiences will be talking about as a fringe highlight for years to come.
The Kaye Hole Hosted by Reuben Kaye, McEwan Hall 23:3 (1 hour 30 minutes) Augst 28 and 29, McEwan Hall
21st, 2nd, 28th and 29th August
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-kaye-hole-hosted-by-reuben-kaye
