If there is one act currently causing heated critical debate it is Reginald D Hunter. Last year this imposing American skirted around issues of race and sex. This time there is no pussyfooting.
His show, White Woman, confronts the very roots of the way black men such as him are perceived. It is a visceral event, as much a kick in the guts of liberalism as stand-up.
This controversial Perrier Award contender sets out his stall with some generalisations about dating. Political correctness prevents the British from being honest, he says. Since relocating from Atlanta, he takes so long to tell a woman she is attractive without causing offence she's gone before he has got the words out.
Precise delivery adds a theatrical air. He prowls around, playing the audience like an expert angler. It is hard to take your eyes off this compelling performer when he hits his stride.
He is excellent discussing everything from Birth of a Nation to the inherent sexism in fertiliser adverts. A fabulous anecdote about being challenged by an irate husband during a set in Holyhead is both humorous and illuminating.
There is, however, one heartstopping moment that feels utterly miscalculated. Hunter asks a blonde female if she has ever fantasised about being ravished by a black man. On this night at least, it was not clever, just uncomfortable.
One of the exciting facets of comedy is the way it breaks down the fourth wall, but here Hunter abused his position. It is all very well for a gig to stimulate thought, but it should not ruin one's evening. At best, his argument loses momentum.
Race is certainly not too big a subject for comedy. Chris Rock has dealt with it in an equally direct manner and has been funnier.
Hunter's rhetoric is leaky, too.
He says that just because he is black doesn't mean he likes hip-hop, but he then admits to liking blues, which is equally stereotypical.
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This an important, honest show that takes comedy into rarely charted waters. It should certainly be seen by a wider audience, though many may be angry as well as amused.
Hunter's heart is undoubtedly in the right place. Unfortunately, his methodology is wide of the mark.
Until 25 August. Box office: 0131 556 6550.
