About Laff-It-Off
Laff-It-Off is an annual production that has captivated audiences for the past 39 years with its unique brand of improvisational comedy. By satirizing local and regional social and political issues, the show remains dynamically relevant, adapting its script to reflect the changing landscape.
Conceived and developed by a talented cast and production team, each scene is meticulously reviewed by a team of long-standing legal professionals to ensure it meets the highest standards of content quality.
In addition to its annual run, Laff-it-Off performs at various corporate events and supports public service messages with customized skits tailored for specific audiences. This broad engagement ensures that Laff-it-Off remains a vital part of Barbados's cultural fabric.
Our Beginnings
Laff-it-Off was born in September 1985, when four visionaries – Thom Cross, Ian Estwick, Guy Goring, and Tony Thompson – sought to address the absence of comedy theatre in Barbados. Initially operating under Community Theatre Productions until 1992, Laff-it-Off Productions Inc. was incorporated in 1993, establishing itself as the longest-running theatre production in Barbados.
The founders engaged semi-professional actors, forming the original cast that became the training ground for young, aspiring actors. Each year, at least one young actor or actress joins the cast, while students in Theatre Arts from Barbadian secondary and tertiary institutions apprentice with the backstage crew. In 2023, through a partnership with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, six Faculty for Culture, Creative, and Performing Arts students interned with Laff-it-Off, gaining invaluable experience
Our Leadership
Ian Estwick serves as the Executive Producer and Company Manager, while Cecily Spencer-Cross is the Creative Director, guiding the production with a steady hand and creative vision.
Ian Estwick
Executive Producer
Cecily Spencer-Cross
Creative Director
International Performances
Laff-it-Off has delighted audiences beyond Barbados with performances in St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, New York, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Toronto, and London. While shows in Barbados feature predominantly local themes, international performances are tailored to resonate with a broader audience.
In 2023, our production 'Whey You Get Dat From' received rave reviews during its one-night-only performance in Tampa, Florida, in collaboration with the Barbados Association of Tampa Bay.
Recent Achievements
Our 2023 production, “Whey You Get Dat From,” won the Theatre Production Award at the 5th Annual Gine On People’s Choice Awards in 2024. This prestigious recognition underscores the quality and impact of our work, solidifying Laff-it-Off’s reputation as a leading force in Barbadian theatre.
