Edinburgh Festival Fringe REVIEW Reginald D Hunter ***

If you like your comedy rat-ta-tat, three gags a minute, there are plenty of stand-up comedians at the Edinburgh Fringe who will satisfy your desire. To use an alcohol metaphor, downing copious amounts of lager and having a belly full of laughs would be akin to watching the likes of Al Murray, still going by the name of Pub Landlord. If, however, you prefer your comedy to be thought-provoking and philosophical, watching Reginald D. Hunter perform at the Pleasance is more like supping a fine brandy and puffing slowly on a long cigar the end of a hard week, contemplating what life is all about.

The large queues of people waiting to see Mr. Hunter certainly knew what to expect. Most of them, I suspect, had seen him before as I had, at previous gigs at the Fringe and were attracted by his sanguine if sometimes controversial views on life, family, sex and relationships. And if I can continue on the alcohol theme, like a good wine he didn’t disappoint. From his views on Jews, to his brother and father, to his relationships with several girlfriends, Reginald’s opinions may not have been shared by everyone and I suspect he probably embarrassed a girl in the audience when he asked her if she had ever looked at a particular part of her anatomy. But the man who has been a memorable guest on national television shows such as Have I Got News for You had his public hanging on his every word.

Some of the things he said struck a chord with me, particularly when he spoke about men dreaming about being with their ideal girl but, in reality, not totally enjoying it on the basis of why would their ideal girl choose to be with them anyway? He also urged his audience to always be honest as honesty reduces your fear about life and without fear you can be anything you want.

Deep stuff from a man who would make a brilliant philosopher.

For now, though, Reginald D. Hunter is simply a fine comedian and well worth visit.

Submitted by Mike Smith