DESPITE regular slots on television panel shows and a lengthy career on the stand-up circuit, Rich Hall is somewhat underrated as a comedy force.

Genius is a strong word, but there were certainly elements of a strong cerebral ability on show during the Tyneside leg of his nationwide tour.

The veteran American performer is at ease on stage and launched into some mild but amusing front row audience member Mickeytaking before going into his act.

Political comedy used to be seen by some as a little bland, but that was before you had figures like George ‘Dubya’ Bush and Barack Obama to work with.

The 54-year-old from Montana has some interesting views on the election of the first black president of his homeland. “Hey, everyone thinks it’s great, but let’s not forget Robert Mugabe.”

Hall is sharp as a tack in his condemnation of American culture and offers unique insights into British ways and the so-called war on terror.

Some of his material has been around a bit, but it ensured the audience was kept laughing throughout the first half, in which Hall performed as himself.

After the interval Hall came out as his ‘uncle’ Otis Lee Crenshaw – a country musicloving hick from Tennessee.

His alter ego gives him a platform to perform funny songs, which require audience participation, that he makes up on the spot. Truly impressive.