COMEDY list.co.uk/comedy

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I REGINALD D HUNTER Hitting the trail on the back of fresh controversy

Y ou could say that an extra dollop of spice has been added to Reginald D Hunter’s national tour after a furore that could be described as misguided on almost everyone’s part but the comic’s himself. When the Professional Footballers Association invited the outspoken Georgia-born, London-based stand-up to perform at their annual function, it seems no one thought to have a look at his bountiful back catalogue: a quick squint at some of his show titles might have alerted organisers that they were not dealing with the black McIntyre. Perhaps an episode or two of Have I Got News for You was the extent of their research. And lo and behold,

when Hunter thought he was delivering just another night of thought-provoking material, thundering hell was let loose. Still, at least Hunter had the likes of Rhona Cameron, Marcus Brigstocke and (deep breath) the Daily Mail on his side as the aftermath got somewhat muddy. Now, wherever he performs his new In the Midst of Crackers show, you can bet there’ll be a bit of extra material written on the back of this messy fracas. (Brian Donaldson)

Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline, Fri 17 May; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Sun 2 Jun.

HITLIST THE BEST COMEDY EVENTS

John Cooper Clarke Rolling back some years is the legendary northern punk-poet,

now curiously residing in Essex. Wonder if he’ll have any words about a certain recently deceased public figure? Tolbooth, Stirling, Thu 16 May; The Picture House, Edinburgh, Sat 18 May.

Reginald D Hunter The non-shy American lets his socially-aware comedy

rip. See preview, left. Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline, Fri 17 May; Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Sun 2 Jun.

Andy Zaltzman The bubble-haired clever one delivers more astute, politically-tinged

humour. Macrobert, Stirling, Thu 23 May.

Eddie Izzard The meandering

surrealist delivers another masterclass in such matters. See 5 Things, page 65. SECC, Glasgow, Wed 5 Jun.

Bill Bailey Our favourite hippie

materialist/part troll is still churning out the laughs on those big stages. See online interview at list.

co.uk. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Thu 6–Sat 8 Jun.

Judah Friedlander The guy with the hat, specs and beard drops in to show off his World Champion (at everything) status. See feature, page 64. The Stand, Edinburgh, Fri 7 & Sat 8 Jun.

Helen Arney A bit of science, some uke and a lot of fun from

the erudite Ms Arney. See preview, page 66. The Admiral, Glasgow, Mon 10 Jun; Blackfriars, Glasgow, Tue 11 Jun.

16 May–13 Jun 2013 THE LIST 63