Laff-it-Off brings humour to issues

Hijinx, defence classes for nurses, “stocktaking”, expectations, and some good old rum shop wisdom will have you cracking up at Laff-it-Off 2026.

From the opening scene to the curtain closer, the cast of the show themed Evry Dog Got ‘e Day delivers non-stop, side-splitting laughter and solid punchlines which should come with a caution alert for their audiences as they provide a satirical look at some of the memorable happenings of last year and those that have taken place this year.

The show also offers situations to ponder on including the “number one reason for depression in men”, what happened at the port, road rage, and relationships both May-December and among ageing individuals.

As customary, the action is centred around the legendary Nook & Cranny Bar, a mainstay of the community, which, this year, a dubious foreign investor – Roderick Harold Johnson III (played by veteran stage actor Samud Ali) has set his sights on. His offer is so tempting that proprietress Ali (Janine White) contemplates selling while Dolly is against turning over the institution in the community to another person.

Big Rock (Vilmore Johnson) is also for the sale, but that eagerness is tempered by Nooksina (Asha Elcock) who smells something fishy about the prospective investor and questions his intentions. It all comes to a head in a later scene in which Ali is seen packing up the goods and reminiscing about the good times and history of the bar, a foreshadowing some might say, of its future.

If politics is your thing, know that there are many skits that will satisfy you such as the entertaining action from the social harmony integrity team which involves many of the cast. You must see it for yourself to appreciate the full extent.

But underneath the levity and skilfully placed soft blows, the 41st staging of the production playing Saturday nights at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre until March 8, again examines issues concerning the public, often ventilated on call-in radio programmes.

Among those being tackled on stage are the numerous potholes found on the island’s road network, poor customer service in the public and private sectors, the vexing brown water issue plaguing the residents of St Lucy, and the encumbrances to owning a piece of the rock through the state.

The cast, which includes Kraigg Carrington who makes his Laff-it-Off debut, and Angelo Lascelles the stage director, are so accurate and deadpan with their deliveries that you find yourself laughing repeatedly from the punchlines and, or, their facial expressions.

In his return to the theatrical stage, Ali’s experience shows. Both he and Carrington fit into the production like hand-in-glove.

Music is an important element of the show which runs for more than two hours. The writers and directors use it effectively to highlight challenges the country faces, one of which is the costs and standard of living.

If you haven’t already attended Laff-it-Off this season do yourself a favour and make plans to do so. It is a must-see.

You’ll be treated to top tier acting, reflections of noteworthy happenings, and good singing. You’re sure to get a bellyful of laughs and you just might find yourself saying, “I remember when that happened” as the notable moments are re-enacted in living colour and humming along to the tunes. Laff-it-Off 2026 is great show. (PR)

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