Reginald D Hunter – In The Midst Of Crackers

Sparkling with mischief and wickedness, Mr Reginald D Hunter was on full devil-playing form in this latest tour. On familiar Reg-form of challenging preconceptions, boundaries and ideas of social behaviour, all with the manners of a true Southern gentleman but the occasional mouth of the proverbial sailor – we didn’t have to agree with his ideas to find them engaging and thought-provoking. And, of course, funny. It’s clear to see that sheer bloody-mindedness goes a long way in developing what Mr Hunter may do next, a trait he illustrates with stories right through from childhood to more recent sibling squabblings and a much-introduced closing story to the show. But underlining it all is an innate belief in fairness, almost stripped back so that you can see that self righteous child blind with rage at his first glimpse at the true unfairness of the world at large.

An intelligent, mind-exercising and belly laugh-filled evening of ideas and stories from one of the best at prodding various taboos. And not forgetting a highly enjoyable and effective warm-up spot from Canadian Pete Johansson, cultivating a whole new genre of bear-based comedy most effectively. Smashing all round.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 23 November 2013
Rating:
Victoria Nangle