Reginald D. Hunter took the Royal Centre by storm on Saturday night, with a show that struck the perfect balance between measured poignancy and down-right hilarity. His support act came in the form of Steve Hughes, a metal-loving Australian complete with scraggly hair and new world order conspiracies. Hughes was often crude, and made much reference to anal sex (straight is apparently the ‘new gay’), before launching into an unadulterated rant about X-Factor, ‘satanic’ corporations and goths, complete with actions. And although it seemed some of the more buttoned down audience members didn’t quite know what to make of him, his unique outlook on life exuded a charm and colour that felt right at home on stage with Hunter.
Hunter himself opened with an outright warning that this particular brand of humour may not necessarily resemble that seen on TV panel shows such as Have I Got News For You, on which he has regularly appeared. Indeed, this variety – unrestricted by the TV kingpins – was definitely not as tame.
As is his usual style, Hunter tackled a number of key topics about society and human relations; including his oft-voiced thoughts about race and the outsider’s guide to living in London, as well as delving into more controversial issues, including rape. As he acknowledged, ‘this is the point of stand-up comedy, so grown up people can have grown up chat from time to time’.
Such ‘grown up chat’ most certainly divided the audience, and at times I felt obliged to avert my giggles away from the lady sitting next to me and her tightly pursed lips. However, this was not just controversy for controversy’s sake. Despite the nature of the more risqué topics, Hunter’s jokes were always intelligently crafted and undeniably thought provoking.
Nevertheless, each punch line was delivered with a wry smile and that delightful Deep South accent, which ensured that things remained light and deliciously funny. I remain convinced that it is his accent which is the source of all his power. Hunter exploited it to devastating effect: one minute it gave him an air of innocence, naivety and seeming slow-wittedness; the next he was dashing and velvety smooth; and at other times you could have been forgiven for believing that Don LaFontaine was back in business.
And of course, Reginald D. Hunter played every part perfectly. An excellent show all round.
Reginald D. Hunter performed at the Royal Concert Hall on Saturday 24th September 2011
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