raunchy camp cabaret
Presented by Wonderland Spiegeltent
Reviewed 20th February 2021
Reuben Kaye makes his Adelaide return with a self-titled cabaret show at the Spiegeltent in Hindmarsh Square.
Reuben Kaye is an excellent host and performer. Each guest is welcomed individually into the venue with the quick wit and charm that carries throughout the show.
The show itself felt split into two sections. The first loaded with the introductions and so much fast-paced political and social satire that gushed out so many nuggets, that there was something for everyone’s humour. Contemporary topics such as COVID-19 lockdowns, Margaret Court and even dog breeding received a comedic treatment that leaned into the taboo without dismissing any of their seriousness. There was a casualness with the introduction that came off as a warm up comedy set that set the camp fun and storytelling of the main part.
The second, main, part presented more as a constructed narrative centred around Kaye’s upbringing, his migrant parents, and coming out. It was a personal show, still splattered with sharp humour, and backed with brilliant vocal performance throughout the songs.
Kaye was supported on stage by his house band whose use of pace matched perfectly with Kaye’s energy and showed a fun relationship with Kaye sneaking in one liners to seemingly catch them off guard and have to pause while they slowed their laughter.
Reuben Kaye was a brilliant show and captivating cabaret experience. Timing might be the only issue with the 60 minute show running closer to 90 minutes but it was all enjoyable and is just something to keep in kind while scheduling around the show.
Reuben Kaye has several shows and appearances throughout the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2021 season, including the late night, adult only show The Kaye Hole.
Reviewed by Alex Dunkin
Twitter: @AlexDunkin
Venue: Wonderland Spiegeltent Festival Hub, Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide.
Season: 19th February – 21st March 2021
Duration: 60 mins
Tickets: $39-$50
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/reuben-kaye-af2021
Rating out of 5: 5
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