Since interpretation of Hicks’s views on such subjects as the Iraq war, the state of the music industry (Dido and Coldplay are particular targets), 9/11, the presidency of George W Bush, the war on terror, and Internet pornography. He even has a long-overdue swipe at comedian Denis Leary, who has often been accused of blatantly stealing Hicks’s act.
With Hicks’s same pouting, squinting and shouting (and, of course, smoking) mannerisms, Early delivers a passionate portrayal of a hugely influential cult comedian. As Hicks was better received in the UK than in his home country, it is somewhat fitting that he would be resurrected here and the show, created by Early and director Richard Hurst, has enjoyed massive success in two sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as well as on a UK tour.
The Venue is the perfect setting with its intimate, comedy club-like atmosphere and, while it is left to speculation what Hicks would make of such an ambitious undertaking, the return of the legend, however slight, is a welcome one.
Bill Hicks: Slight Return runs until 17 June.
KM