COMEDY giant Reginald D Hunter owns the stage with unrivalled confidence and prowess.

Originally from Georgia, America, he has been living and working as a comic in the UK for more than 20 years.

And when he captivated this audience at Poole’s Lighthouse, he showed he has definitely earned his stripes.

The regular Have I Got News For You panellist turned 50 two weeks ago, and stories about ageing and family featured heavily.

So too did comparisons between the UK and his hometown in the US Deep South.

This show, An American Facing the Beast, fell towards the start of a 40-date tour of the UK and Ireland.

Perhaps, then, he is still trying out new material and developing the patter, so it was not laugh-until-your-sides-ache funny just yet.

But he is so at ease on stage and naturally witty that it did not matter and was still a highly entertaining evening.

The best moments came from tales about his father reaching the ripe old age of 100, and his honest reflections on relationships and women.

There was also plenty about racism, and even a Michael Jackson joke.

To close, Hunter coined a phrase from his father: ‘If I do live and nothing do happen... I will see you next year’.

In that case, Poole is in for a treat again. Snap up those tickets fast, folks!