REVIEW: Reuben Kaye Delivers Another Intelligent And Insightful Cabaret with His Latest Show HARD TO SWALLOW
HARD TO SWALLOW
Saturday 16th May 2026, Enmore Theatre, Newtown.
HARD TO SWALLOW is the latest cabaret from Reuben Kaye and it is everything audiences have come to expect from the incredibly intelligent performer who blends ‘no holds barred’ political and social commentary with clever new music and a liberal dose of fabulously funny filth. Having premiered in Perth in January, Sydney finally gets to experience Kaye’s latest solo show which will no doubt will have been somewhat different to its first incarnation as Kaye includes unfolding issues.
The towering blonde with expressive face and an incredible smile can switch from cheeky and playful to dark and devious with a well-honed curl of a lip or twitch of an eyebrow. The big black lashes and perfect makeup ensure that expressions are clear even at the back of the room. Kaye always has the audience eating out of his hand, even those for which the show may be their first experience of the cabaret icon, provided they have enough of an open mind to accept Drag performers, the LGBTQIA+ community and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Supported by a live band led by his long-time collaborator and musical director Shannon D Whitelock, Kaye delivers songs with his signature ‘big cat’ purr that rolls into a growl but also has the ability to be pure and as rich as an opera and musical theatre performer (he delivered the brightest, boldest, campest King Herod in the recent Australian tour and he has hosted Opera Up Late for the past few years). Musical interludes are balanced with Kaye’s observations, recollections and views on the current political and social landscape and in 2026 there is more than enough source material to fuel a much longer show. While always passionate, Kaye approaches the subjects from the position of informed intelligence and an understanding that he has a platform to educate and enlighten. Those familiar with his work know that societal boundaries are just a challenge for how far he can push them and it is amusing when its clear that Kaye has even surprised himself as to how far he’s pushed the line, landing both the power of the underlying sentiment and the comedy of the moment perfectly.
Known for his flamboyant costumes, he reveals another new stunner for HARD TO SWALLOW before reverting to his signature black in an onstage costume change so as to not loose any time as for the Sydney Comedy Festival the space most likely has another show waiting to bump in after him. Kaye has some key moves that are included in almost all of his shows to the delight of his fans but what makes him extra special compared to others that also have repeated signatures is that they always feel intuitive and just part of who he is, not creating a separate choreographed character, allowing the audience to connect and trust him.
While HARD TO SWALLOW has finished the Australian leg of the tour, Reuben is taking it to Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August and, as Artistic Director of Adelaide Cabaret Festival, he has created some new shows and collaborations for the festival which starts in June.
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