Jamaican Plays

In the Jamaican theatre landscape, Andrew Roach is well known for his expertise in stage design and construction as well as stage management. Recently, Roach has embarked on a new phase of his theatrical talent – that of being a playwright. His first commercial attempt, ‘Strength of a Woman’, was an instant hit, earning Roach the Actor Boy Award for ‘New Jamaican Script’. This was quickly followed by the laugh a minute comedy ‘Since Yu Sey So’.

Now, Roach has unveiled yet another hit, Ras Genie, which opened on Friday June 12 at the Pantry Playhouse. Roach always pulls on the familiar in his work, and this time around, Hitchin Street in Allman Town becomes the background for this interesting tale spun around extremely colourful characters. Veterans Peter Heslop, Dean Martin and Rowan Byfield are experts at delivering comedy and so guarantee that audiences will get a bellyful each night while relative newcomers Carlene Taylor and Natalee Cole bring the flair and drama which locks audiences into their story … additionally, Jenice Jackson and Uri Stewart alternate in respective roles.