#SupportCreativity
LAST weekend, Guyanese were treated to a bellyful of laughs when the brand new series, ‘Who Laff Last’, took to the stage at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).Directed by Ron Robinson, ‘Who Laff Last’, a satirical review that will take the place of the famed ‘Link Show’, brought with it all the ‘funny’ without fear, and provided much-needed comic relief to a Guyanese audience that has been starved of such entertainment for quite some time.
The two-and-a-half-hour showcase started on a high note, and kept the laughs coming. With a mixture of long and short sketches, the audience was given a healthy mix of quips for the quick-witted.
Of course, there was no shortage of material for the show to make fun of, and the audience was therefore treated to satire at its best, as a result. Sketches touched on “viral” issues in the public arena such as the parking meter debacle, Pope London, and citizens’ responses to the results of Budget 2017, including VAT on water, condoms and electricity. And these were the skits that also received the greatest audience response.
Both the government and the opposition were given their fair share of the spotlight as well, as comedic interpretations of the Finance Minister and Budget 2017 as well as the Opposition Leader’s bid for a third term were hilariously highlighted.
Hits on the President were few and far between and somewhat mild, but the audience appreciated seeing interpretations of his signature strut and other idiosyncrasies.
CERTAINLY DELIVERED
And despite some hiccups with sound and some skits that the audience just didn’t catch on to quickly enough, the show certainly delivered on its promise to have the audience thoroughly entertained. But, admittedly, much of the praise should be directed to the strong ensemble cast that Robinson garnered for the production.
Beloved actor, Henry Rodney graced the stage for the first time since his stint overseas where he underwent medical treatment. It was heartening to see the veteran thespian on stage once more, doing what he loves, and bringing with him a barrel of laughs.
Rodney’s portrayals of a frugal Finance Minister managing budget cuts, the womanising Pope London, a dismissive Minister of State, and other roles that had the crowd in bouts of laughter reminded the audience that he is an invaluable addition to successful productions such as these.
Outstanding performances were also given by Michael Ignatius, Sonia Yarde, Marke Luke Edwards and Ron Robinson himself, who took the opportunity to revive his beloved and popularly known character, “Professor Havingsworth”.
A PLEASURE TO WATCH
But really, the entire cast was a pleasure to watch overall. Other members of the cast who contributed to the successful production included Nelan Benjamin, Leslyn Bob-Semple, Sean Budnah, Leon Cummings, Alecia DeAbreu, Melika Edmonds, Nickose Layne, Nirmala Narine, Sean Thompson and Nathaya Whaul.
The audience was also treated to Calypso renditions by local calypsonian, ‘Young Bill Rogers’ who performed “Ah Campaigning fuh President” and “Meri Patni horn meh”.
“As usual, many prominent figures in politics, religion, culture and more have contributed to the show by merely doing what they do best: Opening their mouth and putting both feet in it,” Robinson said during the run of the show.
The show ran from February 24-27, and saw a significant crowd on every night, including an almost full house over the weekend. Production Manager, Lloyda Nicholas told The Buzz that seeing this year’s attendance and crowd reaction on all the nights is a promising start for the new show, and bodes well for its future success.
