Review: Reuben Kaye - HARD TO SWALLOW at The Liberty Theatre

Review by Tatum Stafford

The name on everybody’s lips this FRINGE WORLD season is Reuben Kaye - just ask him.

Internationally acclaimed, lightning fast, superb of voice and a master of cabaret, Reuben is one of those acts that must be seen to be both believed and fully understood. Reuben is in town with his brand new show ‘HARD TO SWALLOW’ which is the perfect piece for the grungy Liberty Theatre, which was filled with a sold out crowd on the Saturday night I attended.

Reuben’s famously political and societal observations are sharper than ever in this show, which leaps from topics like zionism, elitism, conservatism, and pretty much any other ‘ism’ you can think of with ease and Reuben’s signature flair. 

This show has several new songs which he tackles with his trademark growl and thunderous vibrato. The three-piece band, led by musical director Shannon Whitelock, sound phenomenal in the venue and elevate the evening spectacularly. 

As we’ve come to love from his shows, some of Reuben’s best work is done in the crowd (literally). In this show, he monologues effortlessly as he strolls through the middle aisle and has his audience immediately under his spell and hanging off his every word (and punchline). 

If you’ve never seen Reuben live, right that wrong this Fringe season - because this show is him at his absolute snarkiest best. Don’t miss it!

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