Presented by Pietagogetter
Reviewed 19 February 2022
For those of you yet to discover the joy of a Reuben Kaye show, do yourself a favour and get down to the Garden of Unearthly Delights to see this gorgeous, hilarious, utterly talented performer.
Kaye’s early show, The Butch is Back, features the diva in over 75-minutes of glamour, cabaret, stand-up and soliloquies that can only be described as poetry. Accompanied on stage by his six-piece band, Reuben Kaye and the Close Contacts (yes, it’s that sort of show), Kaye kicked off in a costume consisting of a sequined pink tux over a faux eighteenth-century-style ball gown skirt. The skirt alone, complete with a massive photo of Kaye’s face on the back, is worth the price of the show. The mic with its own pony tail was also an awesome touch. And then there’s the costume changes, makeup and eyelashes so lush they could pass for wings.
But don’t think this queen is all style and no substance; Kaye delivered belting cabaret tunes as well as modernised versions of old favs. His big voice was ousted only by his even bigger wit, with comedy served up about the state election, the horror of the last two pandemic years, lots and LOTS of sexual innuendo, and a big serving for Hillsong. If you’re easily offended, this show isn’t for you, nor is it for littlies, but that aside, the comedy was just cracking.
In addition to this OTT performance, Kaye broke things up with insights into his background with stories of his parents escape from post World War II Europe and the impact of growing up gay in Australia. Sad, poignant and beautifully delivered, this aspect showed what an incredible range Kaye has. Just when things verged on terrible bleakness, he’d pull everyone back with a side-splitting one liner.
On a personal note, I’ve been reviewing the Fringe since 2008 and this show is now up there amongst my all time top picks. I cannot speak highly enough of this fantabulous performer and his live band. Go see it. Just go.
And to quote the ‘model, performer, muse’ himself: ‘Count on me, bitches. I’m the only horseman of the apocalypse to ride side saddle.’
Reviewed by Samantha Bond
Twitter: @SamStaceyBond
Venue: The Babylon, Garden of Unearthly Delights
Season: 18 Feb – 20 March 2022
Duration: 75 mins
Tickets: $40-45
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/reuben-kaye-the-butch-is-back-af2022
Rating out of 5: 5
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