Reginald D. Hunter vows to pull no punches at Newark show

Audiences are being warned to expect brutal honesty from American comedian Reginald D. Hunter when he comes to Newark Palace Theatre on February 15.

The 48-year-old, originally from Georgia, has been living in the UK for just under 20 years and has gained a loyal fan base for his often controversial brand of comedy.

In Some People v. Reginald D Hunter, his latest show, Hunter promises at least one moment that is sure to divide audiences.

“People can expect a full, gritty and fearless show. It’s excellent now and dangerous too,” he said.

“I’ve added a new joke that will annoy at least ten people. I tested it in Ireland and it was quite a response.

“At the end of the show I told people there will be one more joke. It’s funny, but it’s not a joke. I said to people if they think they have a great sense of humour, but think some things are off-limits they should leave.

“In Ireland, people got mad, and in the fifth show a married couple stormed the stage.”

Despite the hype, Hunter insists he doesn’t go out of his way to test his audience’s sensibilities.

“I don’t go out to offend or be shocking, but I try and find my comedy in my personal life and I look for things I see that fascinate and interest me,” he said.

“One thing I noticed is we all have some triggers in life that we feel give us the right to lose our minds — whether it’s seeing someone parking in a handicap space or if they see someone hitting a kid.”

'British audiences will reward you for the clever stuff'

Hunter said he particularly enjoys performing in front of British crowds, and believes it is a unique experience for a comedian.

“First of all they are the only people in the world who will ask you what you think of the British sense of humour,” he said.

“They are unlike any I have performed to across America, Australia or anywhere else in the world.

“British audiences will laugh at the crass stuff, but they will always reward you for the clever stuff.”

With the likes of Donald Trump and Brexit dominating the headlines, Hunter insists comedians need to be wary of jumping on the bandwagon.

“For comedians who want to aspire to some form of greatness, the current political climate is very problematic,” he said.

“Everyone is tired of hearing about Trump and Brexit. If you are going to say something on those subjects it better be different and it better be interesting.

“The same principle goes for any subject, whether it be about race or relationships.”