'Fifty 2 Rahtid' is outrageously hilarious

When it comes to satirical revues, Aston Cooke is indeed the leader of the pack as nothing seems sacred to the writer.

His outrageously hilarious satirical revue, Jamaica Fifty 2 Rahtid is the funniest comedy on the Jamaican theatre scene today.

The show played to an appreciative sold-out house at the Pantry Playhouse on Emancipation Day and delivered a solid performance filled with much laughter and excitement.

Jamaica Fifty 2 Rahtid is a scintillating musical revue which takes a funny look at Jamaica's state of affairs.

Variety is the hallmark of this revue. Cooke's satirical pen touches even more subjects than there are skits, for he packs many topics into one item.

Top Jamaican actors

The play boasts a cast of top Jamaican actors, including popular comedy actor Deon Silvera and Dahlia Harris who alternates with Camille Wilson.

Akeem Mignott, Marlon Campbell and Ainsley Whyte complete the cast. The show is skilfully directed by the talented Harris.

'The Airport' featuring recurring characters 'Ray Ray' and 'Tay Tay' is still the crowd favourite and from the audience's response, it would appear that many of them had seen the earlier instalments of this revue series.

In 'Carpenter's Apprentice' and other skits, Cooke uses the double dialogue technique in which two people talking at length completely misunderstand each other, though the audience is aware of the misunderstanding.

It's a gimmick which seldom fails to work. Silvera is outstanding in 'Jamaica Homecoming' which showcases her skill as a character actress.

But it was 'The Debate' which had the audience on the floor with laughter. Camille Wilson played a good prime minister while Ainsley Whyte did a sound take off on the leader of the opposition.

The show is an excellent mix of song, dance and dialogue; of solo and group pieces; of national and domestic issues.

The multi-talented cast all move well, speak clearly and sing competently. And they had fun on stage.

The catchy tunes by Grub Cooper showed us why he copped the Actor Boy awards for Best Song and Best Musical Score in the previous showings of Jamaica 2 RAHTID and Pupalick.

Jamaica Fifty 2 Rahtid continues at the Pantry Playhouse on Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. with matinee performances on Sundays at 6 p.m.