Hunter introduced himself with an explanation of why people thought he had lost his anger, and with it his comedy edge. Not having seen him live before I can't say if there's a change or not, but I was surprised by just how laid back, and at times indecisive, he appeared to be,
Which isn't to say he wasn't funny. Or, at times, edgy. A largely white, liberal-minded audience can be easily made to feel guiltily uncomfortable by a black comedian and Reg uses that to good effect. Enough to provoke a bit of thought about your own world view and the nature of perceived prejudices. You're forced to listen closely if you really want to work out the validity of your own reactions to some of his material.
It isn't all about racism and bigotry though, and Hunter mixes arrogance and self deprecation in telling tales from his personal life and relationships. In doing so he shows a surprising vulnerability and you can't but warm to him. He also gets the audience involved a bit, through a few one to one interactions, and a selection of vox pops. His reactions to these were close to bemused at times and he seems constantly to be trying to figure people out.
This show won't have you falling out of your seat with laughter, although it is genuinely funny. But it does provide an idiosyncratic view of the world and some thought provoking material that might make you question your own beliefs.
Reginald D Hunter : Bitchproof is on in the Pleasance at 20.00 until the 30th.
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