He’s rude, crude, remarkably observant and lightning quick with one liners. In short, a force of nature. I speak of the indomitable Reuben Kaye, who wears his heart on his sleeve and totally owns his audience like few others I have come across. His stage presence is remarkable. He walks, talks and warbles like an Adonis, to whom all are irrevocably drawn.
An hour with him brings with it a surfeit of sexual innuendo, observations about politics and politicians, and world affairs. He includes personal insights about his time in hospital in Berlin. “Gay” animals aren’t spared, and he also tackles loneliness and conversion therapy. All this in verbal and musical form, for he is accompanied by a slick and accomplished seven-piece band.
And, I tell you what, Rueben Kaye has a superb singing voice. He is strong, powerful and melodic. This is not faint praise, for Reuben can do it all and shines while doing so. Early on, he cajoles an audience member to join him on stage and hold the microphone while he slips into something more comfortable. Yes, a full, seamless (no pun intended) costume change with the aid of a dresser too, while he continues his patter without missing a beat.
As for his clobber, he is the ultimate provocateur. Cheeky doesn’t cover the half of it. No subject appears to be taboo. There are no sacred cows. Agree with him or not, he tackles the Middle East crisis, Nazi Germany and public figures, Australian and international. From American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer to child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Hitler and Eva Braun, Donald and Melania Trump and Elon Musk, Charlie and Erika Kirk, Kaye wades right in.
His energy throughout is electrifying. He is polished, confident and considered. And the whacks just keep on coming – Angus Taylor, Matt Canavan, Pauline Hanson and the Labor Party all receive a serve. He even manages to equate the falling pregnancy rate with the rise in male podcasting. I kid you not. On an optimistic note, he appears to firmly believe that man (and I mean man in a literal sense) can save us from ourselves and “fix the world”. Good luck with that, Reuben.
Reuben Kaye: Hard to Swallow is a box of scrumptious liquorice all sorts, an unforgettable, unmissable show for the broadminded. It is on at the Athenaeum Theatre, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, until 19th April, 2026. For bookings, go to https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/reuben-kaye-hard-to-swallow/
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Opera Up Late (Opera Australia) – comedic opera review
- Velvet Rewired (Athenaeum Theatre) – theatre review
- Rocky Horror Show (Athenaeum Theatre) – musical theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.