Samud Ali
CAST
Samud Ali Returns to the Laff-it-Off Stage.
After a long break from theatre, award-winning writer and producer Samud Ali is stepping back into the spotlight—much earlier than he expected. When he casually mentioned to Executive Producer Ian Estwick that he was thinking about returning to the stage, he didn’t expect the call to come so soon. But the timing felt right, and he’s diving in with the same energy that made him a favourite with audiences decades ago.
Samud’s acting journey began at Combermere School, where the drama society first sparked his love for performance. From there, he became a fixture in local theatre, performing in tragedies, comedies, murder mysteries, and the iconic 1989 Talk Tent. Through the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s, he appeared in more than 20 productions across Barbados and abroad—including A Hand Full of Dirt, Growing Up Stupid Under the Union Jack, Blithe Spirit, The Taming of the Shrew, The Caribbean Tempest, and several Holders Season shows.
Of course, many Bajans fondly remember him for his comedic roles in the popular live and televised Skitsomania series. He also appeared in Pampalam and performed in Laff-it-Off’s 1994 season alongside Wendell Smith, Tony Thompson, and John Walcott before life, work, and fatherhood demanded centre stage.
Now that his son is older, Samud felt the pull of the theatre again. “I miss it,” he shared. “Theatre was the stepping stone that led to everything else—radio, presenting, even advertising. It all came from the stage.”
For him, acting is acting—comedy, drama, tragedy, it’s all the same craft. His approach blends movement, intention, and instinct, and years of experience have sharpened his skill to deliver memorable performances with ease. He credits mentors such as Tony Thompson and Thom Cross, as well as his time working with the late Earl Warner, for shaping his professional discipline and artistic drive.
Outside of theatre, Samud is an accomplished musician. He has played bass with several pop/rock bands and now performs as a solo acoustic guitarist and vocalist. His original folk project, Stories of Old and Other Conversations, debuted at CARIFESTA IV and remains close to his heart.
Now, with a full circle moment unfolding, Samud joins the cast of Evry Dog Got ‘e Day, bringing his trademark wit, timing, and heart back to the Laff-it-Off stage after many years away.