Laff-it-Off brings their A-game

By Simone Tull 

Laff-It-Off is back with a vengeance. Revered for its satirical approach to topical issues, the 2023 offering is laced with the elements which give the show its winning formula. With the recent election, there was no shortage of political material for the writers of this season.

The long running show has been a staple on the entertainment calendar. Officially launched on January 21st, this season is slated to run for just six shows and tickets have been moving quickly. The production has loyal fans who have been longing for the return and the shows have been sold out at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford venue since opening night. Usually known for prompt starts, the most recent edition suffered a slight delay. At 8 p.m., a long line snaked to the entrance. That was quickly resolved, and patrons nestled in for a fantastic night of comedy.

It was a much-welcomed return to the famed Nook and Cranny Bar. The cast members for this year’s production are Janine White, Ishiaka McNeil, Kyle Cozier, Asha Elcock and Vilmore Johnson. Johnson is making his return to this stage after a more than decade-long break.

As always, a no holds barred approach is adopted, and no topic was off limits. Heavy with political content, the material in Laff-It-Off: Whey You Get That From? was hard-hitting and did not spare local politicians. Tough Choices examined the selection process of who should be selected to deliver the news about the Independence Day name change. Another gem was Election Reflection. Neither party was exempt, and the DLP got a taste with George Street Blues and Ronnie Visits Barrow.

Kyle Cozier’s antics in the Krosfyah tribute was on point.

Each cast member had their moment. McNeil’s experience on stage ensures that he always delivers an impactful performance. However, the star of the night was Janine White, delivering stand out performances every time. The actress is effortless in her delivery and her comedic timing is on point. Her natural style of discourse ensures that you consistently zone in on her. She commanded attention every time she graced the stage. One of the standout moments was her portrayal of Elizabeth Thompson. White was hilarious, and the audience was doubled over in stitches by the time she was done.

Another scene in which she shone was Vaccine Chronicles. In this skit, the characters addressed some misconceptions about COVID-19. Quality Efficient Health Care (QEH) also spoke volumes. The level of service, or lack thereof, provided by some workers in the public sector was a hot button issue. The unknown origin of guns making their way into the country was also touched on.

Peta Alleyne is a stalwart of the show and even though she did not take to the main stage, she still made her contribution in one of the televised skits which are interspersed throughout the live performances. Her character Mia Marley was absolutely genius, and one could not help but laugh at her depiction.

Janine White was exceptional in the production.

Though the bedrock of the show is comedy, the underlying message of a Teacher’s Lament was still poignant as the characters donned riot gear when it was time to return to the classroom. 

In this edition, Angelo Lascelles, who has made regular appearances in the show switched hats. He moved away from the big stage as an actor and stepped into the role of director. 

The package, which has a running time of over two hours, closed out with a tribute to Krosfyah in which the cast performed a bevy of the top band’s hits. Cozier’s impersonation of Khiomal Nurse was spot on and he nailed all the singer’s onstage antics. 

The show will continue this weekend at the same venue. (STT)