Rudi Lickwood at Chortle's Fast Fringe

Clip from 2009 Edinburgh Fringe show

More Rudi Lickwood videos

Rudi Lickwood: Food For Thought - Fringe 2009
Live Review

Rudi Lickwood complains that some reviewers have criticised him for talking about race too much. But as a fortysomething black man why shouldn’t he? As he quite rightly points out, middle-class people talk about being middle-class, and Lickwood has some pertinent points to make.

Sadly, prejudice is still prevalent today. Lickwood notes that there are few black role models and says the achievements of black people in history are routinely sidelined. Why do we learn about Florence Nightingale and not black nurse Mary Seacole? He says people make assumptions about him because of the colour of his skin, such as mistaking him for ‘the staff’ or following him in a store, presuming him a thief. Elsewhere he questions black youths’ use of the N-word. It all sounds heavy stuff but Lickwood’s years of experience on the circuit mean he can turn each point into a slick gag.

The only quibble here is that he would benefit from a more streamlined show, one that doesn’t divert off-topic as much. Towards the end he includes a routine about pregnancy and relationships that is more club set than Fringe show. But he brings it back around at the end for a thought-provoking point about our gloriously multi-cultural country.

Charismatic and funny as hell, Rudi has an ability to handle crowds in places as diverse as Bow and Glasgow. Rudi directly appeals to the black members of his audience, but his material is universal and can be appreciated by everyone. For sure, one of the top comics working in the UK today.

Alain English, March 2007

Saw Rudi last night in Bristol and he was brilliant and I was very impressed. All the audience was in fits of laughter the whole time. A must-see act

Anna King, November 2006

We saw him at the Maidstone Up The Creek. Not the headline act but definitely should have been. Great show

John, October 2006

Great show. Not startlingly original but enough natural charm and wit to keep you laughing.

Nik, August 2006

I saw Rudi at the Lamproom Barnsley. He wasn't the headliner but he should have been. He was fantastic and the best act I've seen in years

Hazel, April 2006

A truly wonderful comedian, who has the skill, talent, style, and all the comic charisma in the world to go on and become a legend

Lateef Lovejoy, December 2005