This year, as I sit to write this note to you, our cherished audience, one emotion rises above the rest: gratitude. Gratitude for how far Laff-it-Off has come, and for the privilege of carrying forward the vision first crafted in September 1985, when the four trustees of Community Theater Productions—the forerunner to Laff-it-Off Productions Inc.—met in “The Stables” at Queen’s Park. We have remained faithful to those original aims, and that is no small joy.

But this year also brings moments of remembrance. We pause to honour several friends who walked this journey with us but are no longer here:

• Wendell Smith – Actor

• William Powlette – Actor

• Leon Phillips – Actor

• Myrna Squires – Actor

• Michael “Director” Forde

• Lord High Admiral Vernon Watson – Bar Supervisor

• William “Smokey” Burke – Merchandise Sales

• Lusca Compton – Usher

May they rest in peace, and may their contributions continue to inspire us.

As we prepare for our 41st season, Laff-it-Off 2026 comes with a few important changes. We say a heartfelt farewell to Lowrey Worrell, our Musical Director for the past 13 years. Lowrey elevated the musical standard of our show in every possible way—coaching actors, shaping vocals, and pouring his expertise into every performance. He now turns his focus to developing young musicians at Christ Church Foundation School and the Barbados National Youth Steel Orchestra. We thank him deeply for his years of dedication.

We will also miss our longstanding colleague, Ishiaka McNiel, this year. The demands of his schedule made it difficult for him to commit to this season, and after much consideration he decided to take a short pause from the stage. Ishiaka has been a valued member of our Laff-it-Off family, and we sincerely hope the timing will allow him to rejoin us in the near future.

We also say goodbye to Stage Manager, Shakera Williams, and backstage crew member, Nikita Wharton, both of whom served the production with commitment and care.

At the same time, we are delighted to welcome fresh energy to the team. Arranger Darien Bailey has breathed new life into our three iconic Laff-it-Off songs—“Welcome to the Nook & Cranny Bar,” “A Hard, Long Road to Travel,” and “So Long from the Nook & Cranny Bar”—and has crafted an extraordinary arrangement for this year’s tribute to Anderson “Blood” Armstrong.

We also warmly welcome our new Stage Manager, Duane Alleyne. Duane has been honing his craft for years, and after collaborating with him during the 2025 Crop Over season, it was clear he was a natural fit for the team.

We are delighted to welcome back Samud Ali, a familiar face from past Laff-it-Off seasons. Over the years, Samud has stepped into a range of characters, but many will remember him best for his unforgettable turn as “Pimp Daddy.” It is a joy to have him back with us.

And then there’s the newest addition to our cast—the “new boy on stage,” as we jokingly call him. When Angelo Lascelles, our Stage Director, first suggested Kraigg Carrington, his photo prompted me to ask whether he was even old enough to attend a Laff-it-Off show, far less star in one. But talent speaks for itself. Kraigg brings a creative spark and a natural flair that make him an exciting addition to the team. We expect great things from him in 2026 and beyond.

From the very beginning, one of our core goals was to make Laff-it-Off not just a show, but a training ground—a place where young actors and crew could grow, learn, and launch their careers. More than one hundred and thirty people have worked with us over the last forty years, many of whom have gone on to make their mark locally and internationally. That remains one of our proudest achievements.

We have a wonderful production lined up for you this year, and it is now my pleasure to invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

With appreciation,
Ian