Words: Claire Smith
Image: Kyam Ross

Reuben Kaye is back. No Fringe festival is complete without him. The internationally renowned, award-winning comedian and musical powerhouse performer returns to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for 2024 with the UK debut of his five star critically acclaimed show Live And Intimidating. Reuben will also return with The Kaye Hole, where late-night is done right and diverse acts let loose. Queer, messy and f*ckin’ hilarious.

You’re bringing back your mixed bill cabaret The Kaye Hole to the Fringe – how do you
describe it to someone uninitiated?

It’s fast, it’s loose, it’s messy. It’s my queer, punk, protest party for the end of the world.
It’s harnessing queer rage to engender queer joy. My favourite thing is it’s a mini festival. It’s a community. Tara Boom, the Pop Corn Girl has become part of the Kaye Hole family.

And your solo show?

It’s called Live and Intimidating. I was going to call it Live and Intimate until Ali McGregor
suggested Live and Intimidating and I asked if I could use it. It’s my first time bringing original songs – like ‘The Party’s Over’, which is a paean to our current state of despair, rage and fear and how to take ourselves out of it. The music is everything from soul, to disco, to funk. It is a very good time – which is what you want in a show about the end of the world – you might as well go out swinging.

How much do you love the Fringe?

I go all over the world and playing in Edinburgh feels like I’m in my living room. This festival
and festivals around the world have given me so much of a career. When I get to perform in
a theatre I miss the smell of grass. I currently live out of a suitcase. I’ve put everything in storage and I’m back on the road. I count myself as very lucky I get to do what I want for a living.

What do you hope to give your audience?

I’ve been very inspired by the idea of queer rage. Rage is such a powerful emotion. We
hear a lot about queer joy but queer rage can also be celebrated. I want people to walk out
feeling motivated and energised and ready to change the world.

Reuben Kaye: Live and Intimidating
Assembly George Square Gardens – Palais du Variete
20:05
Aug 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25

The Kaye Hole Hosted by Reuben Kaye
Assembly George Square Gardens – Palais du Variete
23.45
Aug 2-3, 9-10, 15-17, 22-24