Being the man to cause controversy in a room full of overpaid footballers may be seen by some as an achievement, but American comedian Reginald D Hunter has managed to laugh off the incident.
The stand-up even believes his current tour audiences could not care less about the furore which followed his appearance at the PFA awards in April where he used the ‘N’ word in a routine – as he is renowned for in highly politicised performances.
Ahead of two dates at Salford’s The Lowry theatre in June, the Georgia-born funny-man suggested the criticism he received had not altered the way he is perceived by crowds.
Talking to MM, the 44-year-old, a television panel show regular, said the venue was the best theatre of its size in the country, and hoped the show would run a little… smoother, this time around.
“They are interested to hear about [the PFA awards] but I don’t feel like the audience has been affected particularly one way or the other.
“They are looking forward to new material but ultimately they really couldn’t care.”
Currently on his latest tour, In the Midst of Crackers, Hunter has nothing but good words about the city.
“I love it there – I really do,” he said. “I’ve been coming to Manchester for years, from the Frog and Bucket to the Comedy Store and it’s a kicking city.”
“There’s a good vibe the second you get there, especially on the weekend – you get there like, ‘something’s gonna happen and I don’t know what!’”
Though originally from America’s Deep South, Hunter has been based in the UK for the past decade.
As you would hope when chatting to a comedian, he is also a very funny guy.
When discussing what he might say at the Lowry about Manchester and its people, he also sees the picture of collectiveness brought about by comedy.
“My material will be relevant in that there are humans in Manchester.
“I might say something about them, make a reference to them, but it’s not about them, it’s about us – all of us.”
Hunter was at the centre of media frenzy after showcasing his material – often depicting racial humour – at the PFA’s annual event in London, provoking a stinging reaction from senior figures at the organisation.
In turn, the PFA were widely mocked for having booked him in the first place despite the arguably sensitive nature of his routine.
The issue has since died down, but it appears that little has changed in terms of how he goes about his business.
He is closed in regards to his football allegiances – or lack of them – explaining that information like that tended to drive British men nuts.
His desire to stay on this side of the pond and afford a living came about as what he describes as ‘exciting’ differences.
“Every day I would hear something that was unusual and I wanted to stick around – what was boring to British people was fascinating to me,” he said.
As a recurring guest panellist on popular topical comedy shows – notably Have I Got News For You – his ability to evoke tears of laughter is seen by millions of television viewers.
Despite having rubbed shoulders with both of the programme’s team captains, Paul Merton and Ian Hislop, he insists he doesn’t prefer one over the other.
He said: “My favourite is whoever my partner is that week!”
Reginald D Hunter is performing at the Lowry, Salford on June 12 and 13.
Image courtesy of Pete Ashton, via Flickr, with thanks.
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