Reginald D Hunter did his first stand up comedy gig for a dare and scooped himself £100.

Today the comedian is hugely popular with all the generations, appealing across the board both for his stand up and his television appearances including: 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Have I Got News For You.

But it is his most recent foray into the land of TV that has really put Reginald on the map attracting many more fans, the three-part BBC2 series: Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The South, which documented Reginald’s epic road trip from North Carolina to New Orleans through 150 years of American popular song.

Tonight, Thursday, June 1 he is making another pilgrimage to Swindon, bringing his new show to the Wyvern Theatre.

In the past twelve months he has appeared in a critically acclaimed tour of Ireland as well as performing across Europe. He was born in Georgia, USA, the youngest of nine children, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, and has scooped numerous awards including Writers' Guild Award for Comedy in 2006 for his show Pride and Prejudice...& N*****.

Reginald has attracted not only plaudits but criticism brimming over into controversy for some of his work.

He said: "It's amazing how many people go out of their way to be offended by what you're saying. There is also a group of people who believe that misrepresenting what you say is a weapon of debate. I hate wilful misconstruction generally, but I'm even less of a fan of it when it's done to me.''

The comedian specialises in social satire and observational comedy focussing on society, culture, human interaction and race with a refreshing honesty which he captures in his new show.

He said: "Every time something new works on stage, it's definitely a great high. It's really satisfying."

Tonight from 8pm at the Wyvern, Reginald will be supported by Glenn Wool, who has appeared on The John Bishop Show, Russell Howard’s Good News and numerous other UK stand-up shows.

Tickets are £26.50 from 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk