Donald Trump is not the only American controversialist arriving this week. Comedy icon Dave Chappelle is paying us an alternative state visit, with three gigs. The first night confirmed that the 45-year-old is a stand-up great unafraid to speak his mind.
The shaven-headed star certainly covered a lot of ground, from the recent Michael Jackson documentary to Kevin Hart being chosen to host the Oscars, from gender fluidity to gun control. Each time he generated a big laugh he did a circuit around his stool or lit another cigarette. He was so at home onstage.
I suspect there would not be unanimous support for his take on Louis CK but Chappelle is such a performer he can sell almost any idea.
As with other touring Americans, phones were locked in pouches. This clearly enhanced the experience for everyone except the audience member Chappelle saw with a device who was escorted out. Those with tickets for his Hackney shows are in for a treat, but consider yourselves warned.
June 3-4, Hackney Empire, E8 (020 8985 2424, hackneyempire.co.uk)
