Comedy and cabaret sensation Reuben Kaye to play King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar at Crown Theatre Perth

Fringe World comedy and cabaret favourite Reuben Kaye is returning to Perth, the bold and brash queer performer’s magnetic stage presence landing him the royal role of King Herod in the new Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar. While Kaye’s foray into musical theatre might initially seem a surprise — especially in a show that follows the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, after Kaye’s controversial joke about the Messiah on The Project in 2023 — the multi-award winner said the move would not sacrifice his signature style. “Jesus Christ Superstar is essentially a line-up show of vaudeville that tells this iconic story with some of the most classic songs that defined a generation,” Kaye said. “Herod himself is an absolute cabaret star. It’s such a camp number (King Herod’s Song) and the audience is in on the joke. He’s cheeky, he’s lovable, he’s evil in all the best ways. “It’s sort of like Lloyd Webber’s version of the Disney villain song. I would say, if the shoe fits, and if the shoe is a nice, high heeled boot, then all the better.” Jesus Christ Superstar will play at Crown Theatre Perth from February 13, 2025, featuring Robert Tripolino as Jesus, Javon King as Judas and Mahalia Barnes as Mary. “If anyone has any reservations about me, because of, you know, that whole controversy, then I would challenge them to come down, see me in person at the show, be affected by the music in this show, and have a good time,” Kaye said. “The best thing is, this story is by nature controversial, and the story of the musical is by nature controversial, but is shows the sheer power of art, of great music and fantastic songs. It just means that we can all get in a room, have a good time and realise our humanity, because that’s also the central message of the production.” Speaking from London where he is finishing a run of his show Live and Intimidating, following a season at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Kaye said while rehearsals were yet to start ahead of Jesus Christ Superstar’s Sydney premiere in November, it would be a very collaborative process. “They’ve really been open to me bringing a lot of myself to this character, but I’m also of the mindset that the thing I want to do most, is respect this amazing work,” Kaye said. Jesus Christ Superstar is at Crown Theatre Perth from February 13, 2025. Tickets at ticketmaster.com.au.