First black act to top UK comedy chart

Richard Pryor has become the first black comic to top the comedy DVD chart.

The newly remastered version of his 1979 Live In Concert went straight to the No 1 position after being released last Monday.

It is now the country's 21st bestselling DVD, but the top stand-up title, ahead of such long-established bestsellers as Ricky Gervais and Peter Kay.

His British publicist called the news "a unique shift in the UK's cultural landscape, and a landmark in the mainstream acceptance of black culture".

The disc - the first time Pryor's stand-up has been available in the UK - also includes rare footage of his earliest stand-up routines, before he adopted the persona known today.

Click here for Chortle's review.

Published: 7 Jun 2004