The Butch is very much back. Reuben Kaye was the frontman for two five-star productions at last year’s Fringe, and this year he’s back in all his woke, edgy & filthy glory.
From the offset the audience are embedded in Reuben’s world. Bright colours, bold costumes and a sniff of drama in the opening number. Reuben knows how to work a room. Within minutes the audience (including this reviewer) were within the palm of Kaye’s hand.
As per last year’s run of ‘The Butch Is Back’, Reuben proves his showmanship within the 60-minute slot of this show. This isn’t just through the raunchy comedy. Although there is plenty of that, and the one liners are golden. Also very filthy! But it’s also through the beauty and realism of his storytelling. You emphasise with the stories of his family, because although there is surrealism present in his humour, he has a very real and humane story. The beauty, emotion and overall depiction of his childhood is something which easily resonates with the audience. Reuben talks about painting a blank canvas, his words while describing his relationship with his father and coming out is something which truly is art. The anecdotes are beautiful.
When it comes to the music in this production, it matches the versatile rhythm of the stories unfolding. We have bombastic rock, beautiful soul music and camptastic bops. The score compliments and builds to the stories that Reuben tells.
You may think you are coming to a comedy set with ‘The Butch Is Back’ but you’re actually about to watch one of the most exquisite cabarets that’s touring the globe. The comedy is hysterically funny, but the emotional notes of this production are sublime.
‘The Butch Is Back’ is a must-see at this year’s Fringe. Reuben Kaye is a born performer who creates the perfect escapism and safe space for all those who dare to be different in this mundane world.
Playing until 27th August, get tickets below –
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/reuben-kaye-the-butch-is-back
Theatre Scotland 
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