I went to see Reginald D. Hunter last night. I actually saw Steve Hughes and then Reginald D. Hunter.
So he had a support act, so far so normal. I usually quite like seeing a support act first because it's a chance to scope out a new comedian for the future. But last night was a bit different.
It wasn't that Steve Hughes wasn't good. It took a while to get used to his slow delivery style but the jokes were well-honed, strong and memorable. As he upped the pace he also upped the political content and he gave the impression of testing the audience to see how far he could go. I'd be intrigued to see where he does go in a full show.
Having given over the first half to his support act, Reginald D. Hunter started the second half with a warning - gently and elegantly preparing the audience for the difference between Reginald D. Hunter on stage and Reginald D. Hunter on TV.
Working without a mikestand, he used his rich, deep voice to develop a warm rapport with the audience which genuinely did turn the Norwich Theatre Royal (which can be a bit cavernous for comedy) into an intimate bubble where secrets were safely revealed. The chat was great but, like his support act, the sections were linked more by swigs of water than by any thematic thread and this was a weak point in both acts.
Reginald D. Hunter came across as a generous man and he took time out of his own set to promote his support act. However, the fact that he has become well known while Steve Hughes has not (yet) still means that Steve Hughes has to handle performing to a room full of people who have come to see someone else, while Reginald D. Hunter has to handle the fact that a man he clearly considers a friend and peer is now his support act.
Despite their obvious pleasure in touring together, it was a slightly uneasy mixed bill. I couldn't help feeling that, like two naughty boys at the back of the class, they might both do better work if they were separated.
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