Image: Claudio Raschella
Reuben Kaye’s cabaret revolution is far from over, with the performer, comedian and cabaret force announced as the Artistic Director of Adelaide Cabaret Festival for 2027.
The announcement comes as Kaye’s debut program continues to light up Adelaide Festival Centre, with the 2026 festival already delivering sold-out shows, five-star reviews and standing ovations across its first two weeks.
“Adelaide Cabaret Festival truly encapsulates all that cabaret can be: loud, brash, political, engaged, sexy, emotional, intimate and grandiose. I am so thrilled to be returning in 2027 to once again pack Adelaide Festival Centre full of the most chaotic, talented, devious, diverse, wild and brilliant performers I can pull from every corner of the globe,” Adelaide Cabaret Festival Artistic Director Reuben Kaye said.
Before audiences start dreaming about what he may have in store for next year, there is still one final week of the 2026 festival to enjoy, and it is packed with huge names, one-night-only moments and late-night festival energy.
In Festival Theatre, powerhouse vocalist Casey Donovan will pay tribute to Amy Winehouse in a one-night-only Adelaide exclusive, while Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox will bring its The Future is Vintage tour to the stage, reworking pop hits with its signature old-school twist.
Over in Dunstan Playhouse, national treasure Vince Jones will celebrate 50 years of music, and Monsieur Camembert will reimagine the work of Leonard Cohen in Cohen Noir.
The Space Theatre will also come alive with renowned Cuban trumpet player Lazaro Numa & Sabor a Cuba, Miss Burlesque Australia Bettie Bombshell, and Homecoming, a reunion of Class of Cabaret alumni featuring MC Alex De Porteous.
In the Banquet Room, audiences can catch rock icon Sarah McLeod, the cockiest woman in comedy Jordan Gray, and the next generation of cabaret talent through Class of Cabaret.
“In his debut program Reuben Kaye has brought us a delicious revolution showcasing the full breadth of cabaret,” Adelaide Festival Centre CEO Kate Gould said.
“We look forward to celebrating this spectacular debut in the final week of the 2026 Adelaide Cabaret Festival and cannot wait to see what he has in store for us next year.”
There are also free offerings across the final week, including Show Tunes Trevia, Piano Man, LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance Club and Designing for Divas, while Festival Late Nights continue with Reuben Kaye and Tina Del Twist.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2026 continues at Adelaide Festival Centre until June 21, click here for more info.
