Hard to Swallow
Hard to Swallow by Reuben Kaye is a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026, performing at Assembly George Square Gardens. It has 18 performances listed, running from Thu 6 Aug, 20:00 to Sat 29 Aug, 20:00. The run has finished — every listed performance has taken place.
About this show
Reuben Kaye is back. Sharper, sexier and more political than ever. Expect glitter, guts and the kind of biting comedy only Kaye can deliver. Sydney Comedy Festival Awards 2026 Best Show Winner. Melbourne International Comedy Festival Awards 2026 Most Outstanding Show Nominee. Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024 Best Show Nominee. Winner of Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2024's Icon Award. 'A star in their own right, with razor-sharp comedic material, a glamorous look and killer voice to boot' * (Skinny). * (Time Out). * (BroadwayWorld.com). * (TheatreScotland.co.uk). * (Chortle.co.uk).
Details
- Performer: Reuben Kaye
- Venue: Assembly George Square Gardens
- Space: Palais du Variété
- Genre: COMEDY, Cabaret, Stand-up
- Country: AUSTRALIA
- Running time: 65 minutes
- Ed Fringe Guide rating: Good
- Room size: about 450 seats (Palais du Variété) — the Fringe box office sells a share of the room, not all of it
- Performances listed: 18, of which 0 still to come and on sale
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access: ramp
- Access features: Step-free access, Accessible toilet
- Venue notes: Accessible entry: Separate Entrance-Front of House will guide audience to the separate entrance. There are 4 steps into the performance space if not taking the accessible route. Wheelchair access type:Permanent Ramp Stairs: 2 - 5 Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above.
What the reviewers said
We have captured 5 published reviews and 31 audience reviews for this show from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s own listing. The excerpts below are the reviewers’ words, not ours — follow each link for the full review.
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.”
— On the Mic (5 out of 5 stars)
The political material is sharper and more pointed than I remember, but importantly, it isn’t simply an American political rant.
— Pride Nomad's 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Rundown (5 out of 5 stars)
Cabaret superstar Reuben Kaye returns to the Fringe with his new show, a whirlwind of political comedy, powerhouse vocals and glittery costumes.
— North West End UK (5 out of 5 stars)
Performance dates and ticket availability
- Thu 6 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £15.00
- Fri 7 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £20.00
- Sat 8 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £20.00
- Tue 11 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £20.00
- Wed 12 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £18.00
- Thu 13 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £18.00
- Fri 14 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £20.00
- Sat 15 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £20.00
- Tue 18 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £18.00
- Wed 19 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £18.00
- Thu 20 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £18.00
- Fri 21 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £20.00
- Sat 22 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £20.00
- Tue 25 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £18.00
- Wed 26 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £18.00
- Thu 27 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £18.00
- Fri 28 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £20.00
- Sat 29 Aug, 20:00 — Already performed — £20.00