This Review is from August 2026

Reuben Kaye is a big personality with a bigger show, supported by a brilliant three-piece live band. The larger-than-life Australian legend’s capacity audience in the Palais du Variété were out for a good time. And they got one.

It’s easy to imagine Reuben Kaye becoming a global household name. He has the talent and charisma to be a mainstream star. But it’s hard to see Kaye compromising on his material. Political cabaret has a long tradition, but it’s rarely been this smart and this hardcore.

There were a couple jokes that made the audience gasp, rather than laugh, but Kaye won them back within seconds.  It’s great to see such a popular act challenge their audience. He doesn’t lose control.

Shout out to Andrew, the young gay lad next to me. Once the show was over and the prolonged standing ovation began to subside, he remarked, “I don’t know if I want to fuck him or vote for him.”

Martin Walker