Before Reginald D Hunter can officially start he happily addresses the recent controversy over his show's title. Pride & Prejudice & Niggas was chosen when the black comedian and his girlfriend mischievously tried adding the 'N word' to unlikely phrases. It was nearly called Wuthering Heights & Niggas ... or Finding Nemo & Niggas.
This story neatly encapsulates Hunter's stimulating set, which is provocative and playful in equal measure. The imposing American knows how to unsettle his fans, bringing the house lights up and directly addressing individuals. But he can also relax everyone with sublimely crafted and deftly delivered gags, such as his bizarre tale of being mistaken for Pele in Singapore.
The two-act structure allows the double Perrier nominee's performance to breathe. In the past, he has seemed a little stiff and preachy. While he still occasionally sermonises, the rigidity has largely been replaced by a brisker, conversational approach, redolent of Richard Pryor in his pomp.
What makes this stand-up stand out, however, is not style but substance. This is the comedy of ideas. In exploring the theme of how you cannot be honest with society if you cannot be honest with yourself, Hunter offers a hipper remix of Shakespeare's "to thine own self be true". He is also very adept at satirising the mythic black stud stereotype: "Cook me some food, be naked and have Shaft playing. I'll be over in 20 minutes."
Elsewhere he scores bullseyes with a spot-on anecdote about the verbal games men have to play to placate their loved ones and a grandstanding finale which recreates an eye-opening chat with his father about Fifties sex. While that taboo-busting title and some frank language might be contentious, there is undeniably wit and wisdom behind the shock tactics.
Until 23 Dec (0870 060 1742).
Reginald D Hunter: Pride And Prejudice And Niggas
Arts Theatre
Great Newport Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 7JB
