A packed Enmore Theatre was treated to wild and entertaining show by the flamboyant cabaret artist Reuben Kaye. Before the show started the music was thumping through the sound system with songs such as I Was Made for Lovin’ You (Kiss) and Magic Man (Heart), setting a great atmosphere. The stage was brilliantly lit and Reuben walked down the aisle from the back of the theatre, stopping for numerous exuberant selfies.
During the show Reuben claimed the pronouns “surf and turf” and “Jesus” but for this review I’ll take a gamble and use he/him. “Surf and turf” and “Jesus” pronouns are two of the endless witty asides from Reuben but they do reflect two of the big themes of his show, namely gender and religion, and he makes telling and heartfelt comments criticising conservative elements and their inhumane pronouncements, policies and behaviours.
Reuben opened with his big song The Party’s Over. In fact, just about everything about this show is big. It was in a big theatre with a big crowd. His singing voice is big and powerful. His hair, costume and make are big and outrageous. His jokes, asides and observations are big, funny and provocative and many are designed to offend and ridicule big and powerful interests.
Most of the show is his comedy routine and he wonderfully covers subjects such as the jacuzzi on the gay cruise, Donald Trump and breast feeding, Pavlov’s dogs, his aunt’s cooking, the Tran-Siberian Railway and children. You need to pay attention because the jokes, insults, putdowns and outrageous comments are frequent and rapid fire. The audience was thoroughly amused and pleasantly horrified and disgusted. They should have ample yoghurt jokes to last a while. The show was rounded out with a few excellent cabaret songs showcasing Reuben’s powerful voice and Shanon Whitelock and the band.
Reuben Kaye performed at The Enmore Theatre on 24th April as part of the Sydney Comedy festival. He recommends catching as many shows as you can at the festival. He specifically mentioned Furiozo but also suggested seeing someone you are unfamiliar with.
