Review by Steve Bennett

The coolest man in comedy, Reginald D Hunter is the very embodiment of composed confidence, the Samuel L. Jackson of stand-up.

He's got the natural charisma and stage presence that most comics can only envy - commanding attention and respect without saying a word.

Such innate ability allows him to draw the audience into his world, and everyone's glad to come along for the ride - presumably in the hope that just a tiny fraction of that cool will rub off.

Were you to read a transcript of his set, it wouldn't strike you as anything special, but on stage, his material is spellbinding.

It's the usual relationship stuff - well, sex, mainly - and sometimes a little near the knuckle, but this man could read out a gas bill and make it sound seductive.

He can go for what seems like an eternity without a laugh, which is normally considered something of a disadvantage for a comedian, but audiences sit enraptured as he builds the atmosphere.

This is a mesmerising act that's all about attitude, ambience and allure - and Hunter's got plenty of each.

Review date: 1 Jul 2002
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett