A BECKENHAM actor is re-creating legendary comedian Bill Hicks in the West End. Chaz Early plays the title role in Bill Hicks: Slight Return, which opens at The Venue in Leicester Square tomorrow night.

Hicks' confrontational style has influenced many comedians. He was a savage critic of American politicians and corporations.

He died of cancer in 1994 at the age of 33.

The show takes a look at what Hicks would have made of the world in 2006, with everyone from Bush and Blair to Coldplay and Dido coming under fire.

Bill Hicks: Slight Return, June 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17. The Venue, Leicester Square. 8pm, £15/£20, call 0870 899 3335 or visit seetickets.com