Comedian’s surprise role after The Project controversy

Reuben Kaye has landed a major role in Jesus Christ Superstar, even though he offended Christians across the country last year with a lewd joke. Here’s why he thinks he’s perfect for the gig.

After his bawdy comments about Jesus Christ, Reuben Kaye is not shying away from controversy.

The colourful comedian has been cast as King Herod in iconic Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, based on the Gospel accounts of the days leading up to the Christian leader’s death.

“It is a little perfect … a little cheeky but I’ve really enjoyed pushing boundaries in a lot of my work and in many ways I think this show and this role continues that,” Kaye told The Daily Telegraph.

Reuben Kaye says the role of King Herod is perfect for him.

“I have spent so much time on the road being Reuben Kaye in my own shows and all that entails so to be able to join this cast of outrageously talented people and do this show in this role, it is a lot of fun and a little scary at the same time. Any time you go anywhere new, it is somewhere scary but that is how you know you are doing the right thing, right?”

Based between Sydney and London, Kaye made headlines earlier last year over the sexual joke made during a live episode of TV show, The Project.

The controversial comment sparked widespread outrage among groups of devout Christians, who organised rallies and protests in response. Kaye received death threats.

He is however not expecting any backlash from his new gig ahead of the show opening at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on November 6.

Michael Paynter will play Jesus while Mahalia Barnes is Mary and Javon King is Judas.

Reuben Kaye on The Project last year when he cracked a lewd joke many Christians found offensive.

“Maybe people who have reacted to those comments wouldn’t get the chance to ever come and see me live and maybe if they come and see me in this show, we will all just realise that this show specifically – despite whatever your beliefs are – is really about coming together and having a good time and I think that is how you can change the world,” he explained.

“This show has cemented itself as a classic for decades … because it brings people together, we can have a laugh and realise that we are not that different. I think prejudice can disappear once you get into a room and if people come and see this, they are going to have an amazing time.”

Kaye, 39, described King Herod as “very complicated”.

Queer comic Reuben Kaye came under fire for making a Jesus joke on The Project. Picture: The Project/Channel 10

“And very fascinating … essentially sort of like a puppeteer and a bit of a nepo baby but on the other hand, an outrageous character. Religion and the books of the Bible have influenced art for centuries – some of the greatest works of art have come from this iconic story.”

Some amazing artists have played King Herod in previous productions, among them Julian Clary, Alice Cooper and the late Rik Mayall.

“These iconic, outrageous, camp icons have really made this their own so to kind of follow in their footsteps is intimidating but also irresistible,” he said.

“The costume is going to be delicious if I do say so.”