There was a Saturday afternoon ritual between Thompson, Farrell, Goring and Thom when they would meet in Oistins to ‘fire a few’ and to intellectualize about the ways of the world! Though it was a man thing I could well imagine the conversation, and theatre would be central to all discussion.

I could hear Thom in his Jamaican accent with the underlying tones of Scotland, “Let us start a theatre company”!

To which Thompson would have said, “Whuh dat is a brilliant idea”!

“Elombe is the Director of Culture leh we talk to him” echoed Farrell!

Great enthusiasm, great laughter, clinking glasses!

After the Saturday libation, the Sunday following, I took Thom to a meeting at Culloden Farm - the office of the National Cultural Foundation. I was not directly involved with the meeting, but I overheard Elombe telling them that they needed a business partner and recommended Ian Estwick.

I recalled a statement I once heard. Entertainment is made up of two words – “Show and Business”. Often the artists forget the business… and hence Elombe recognized that fact and brought the team together - Thompson, Farrell, Goring and Estwick. I am sure a meeting was set up for the next Saturday (perhaps at the usual rendezvous)! The start of Community Theatre Productions

 In the Cross household, it was an unwritten rule that Thom and I would not both be involved in theatre at the same time since one parent would look after the children. However, we made every effort to attend plays. One production we attended was the Ellerslie Folk Chorale and we saw John Walcott! “He was perfect”! I exclaimed! Though not directly involved every now and again I would throw in a few nuggets. I suggested the title ‘The Nook and Cranny Bar’.

From 1985 – 1997 Thom took the reins as director and I gave support where I could!

Well! As the song says “It’s my turn” to take on this mammoth task of being a director of the company - Laff-it-Off Productions Inc. and becoming the artistic director!

I had a challenge. “Thom is the best director I ever had”! I heard it on many occasions! I was proud of him for he was indeed the best director Barbados has had! Then again, he was my husband! But how does one fill those shoes? Well! He can’t wear stilettoes and I stepped out with confidence! 25 years I have faced the challenge of recording what has happen in the Nook and Cranny Bar - that Bar west of St. James! I have documented the political life of Barbados in a satirical way! I laughed with, but certainly not at, people or situations. I attempted to take events to their logical or often to their illogical conclusions and in that way create healthy comedy. Laff-it-Off has created a comedic formula.

Laff-it-Off is a Barbadian treasure! Just as we have those Kodak moments; we have Laff it Off moments. A moment so hilarious or so ridiculous it ought to be in Laff-it-Off!

My short story would not be complete without my expressing my thanks to everyone with whom I have worked over the years.

Over the past 25 years, I have attended theatrical presentations looking for skilled performers and I have discovered and worked with many talented artists. As a teacher, I encountered students with sheer passion and a willingness to be involved. I can’t call all the names but thank you for sharing your talent with the production.

Production, Front of House, Backstage, and Technical - have all served our audience in a professional manner I want to say I am ever grateful for your support.

Ian, thank you for making it happen. Bringing the two words together! Show /Business! Much appreciation for what you have done!

To you the audience! Thank you for your confidence in us and sharing this 40th. Anniversary! May Laff-it-Off continue to be forever Bajan!

Nuh Name! Nuh Blame! Nuh Lock Up!

I Love You!

Cecily