Chris Redd review: A smooth operator from Chicago lives up to the hype

Chicago-born stand-up Chris Redd has been building up a buzz back home with appearances in numerous films and on Saturday Night Live where he is a cast member. For once, the hype seems justified. Mostly. While he does not shatter any comedy boundaries he’s a smooth operator with a winning personality.

Most visiting American stand-ups usually rely on a tight, well-honed set for their UK debut. Redd has a much looser, more laid-back conversational approach. After an initial “whassup?” and comments about the weather he mixed scripted sections with improvised audience chat, making the evening not just entertaining but also a bonding experience.

There are surprises too. One minute the 34-year-old who started as a rapper was covering the familiar comedic terrains of the perils of dating apps, airline travel and acting as a buffer zone between one’s parents, the next he was recalling his horror at encountering crystal meth addicts in Utah or finding himself in juvenile gangsta-related situations.

It never gets totally dark, though, thanks largely to Redd’s air of easy-going positivity. He calls his set “sporadic” but after a while it starts to take on a more structured shape, closing with two memorable set-piece routines, one regarding a close shave with violence, one regarding his youthful steep sexual learning curve, both delivered with panache.

Catch him this week at this intimate venue, which perfectly suits his intimate manner. He will be playing much bigger venues soon.

Until Sat (020 7478 0100, sohotheatre.com)