A new comedy show, Wha Happening, will debut at the Harquail Theatre on Friday, 29 September. Born out of the legacy of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s long-running musical comedy revue, Rundown, the satirical comedy show will be written, directed and produced by Caymanian creative, Matt Brown.
Natalie Urquhart, Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) Chief Executive Officer, said the Foundation had been approached by Wha Happening director, Matt Brown with the concept for the new show and had jumped at the opportunity to support the project.
“The focus of CNCF, and our recently expanded Grants for the Arts programme, is to champion talent like Matt and the cast of actors performing in the show, and offer them the support to bring their production to fruition,” Ms Urquhart said.
“Matt is a much-loved, satirical comic, writer and director with a great track-record for producing quality entertainment that explores social, cultural and political issues through humour and wit.”
Wha Happening is a fast-paced mix of stand-up, parodies and sketches on topical, modern Cayman life. The comedy show will play on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings over three weekends, commencing 29 September 2023.
Mr Matt Brown, Writer and Director of Wha Happening said audiences would see a range of comedic sketches covering topics such as the Cayman dump, the selling of Cayman, dating in Cayman, the country’s traffic woes and CARIFTA athletes.
“Wha Happening brings together Cayman’s funniest comedians and performers, including Cayman theatre stalwarts Leroy Holness and Michael Mclaughlin,” he said. “Lesley Ann Bernard, Gisselle Webb and Priscilla Pouchie round out an experienced and star-studded cast.”
“My gratitude to the CNCF and its Grants for the Arts programme for giving me the opportunity to enrich the lives of Cayman residents through this production. And my deep appreciation to Henry Muttoo, who provided me with the opportunity to participate in Rundown 2013 and has since been a dedicated mentor to my craft,” Mr Brown said.
Created by Mr Dave Martins in 1991, Rundown was the annual centerpiece of the CNCF theatre programme for over 25 years. During his 30+ year tenure as CNCF Artistic Director, Mr Henry Muttoo designed, directed and wrote Rundown for much of its run, with Mr Brown joining as contributing writer for its last cycle.
“For over 30 years Mr Muttoo, as the Artistic Director of CNCF, worked tirelessly to create a legacy for the development of arts and culture in the Cayman Islands,” Ms Urquhart said.
“CNCF is delighted to support the continuation of Cayman comedy theatre and is excited to see a new generation of audiences entertained by this new work.”
To see Wha Happening:
When: three consecutive weekends 29 September - 15 October, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 6pm.
Where: The Harquail Theatre
Tickets: CI$25 for adults, $15 for seniors (65+) and children (under 12). Tickets available at the CNCF office and online through https://eventpro.ky/
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