To introduce the concept of this show could be a difficult task. A moody, bombastic, often political cabaret act provided by Kaye and a fantastic live band hosted this late-night show in between five variety acts curated from across the festival. Kaye has curated such a diverse cast of equally diverse talents- even if the majority involved a routine that resulted in the performer wearing less clothing by the night’s end.
With the entire audience given a hug by headliner Reuben Kaye on the door and a personal outfit compliment- even for whatever I was wearing- a clear intention of intimacy set the mood. And, like Kaye, each variety performer was so engaging that we never felt further than an arms reach despite playing to a massive sold-out audience. The talent played its awareness as its strength, where potentially subversive perspectives had me concerned for some of the more casual viewers I could oftentimes see shocked by an unmissable raunchiness. Each performance would at least garner audible awe, applause and oftentimes laughter. Again, our acts felt constantly in control in performances that could at one moment be asking for laughter and the next a perfectly coordinated silence.
The variety standout came from Sikisa, AKA Twix’s routine, a multifaceted standup and burlesque act that teases its destination like burlesque itself. Where her comedic delivery felt ready for TV yet right at home at Kaye Hole, the unexpected but teased dance breakout to Boss Bitch by Doja Cat, we were told humorously we hadn’t paid enough to see solidified Sikisa as an audience favourite.
There was not a corner of the set not backflipped in or danced upon by the end of our night: between trapeze, a comedy act turned burlesque (you heard correctly), an out-of-left-field masterful bagpipe routine and whatever you could call a hula hoop turned popcorn-making act. You will just have to believe me; the stage was undoubtedly alive. The Kaye Hole refused to play things safe yet never missed with its punches. I felt surrounded by undoubtedly the most enthused audience at the festival so far; an easy five stars.
The Kaye Hole returns for three weekends on the 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26 later this month.
More information and tickets are available here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/kaye-hole-hosted-by-reuben-kaye#
Image by Tommy Manning