Oliver Samuels’ Where Dere’s A Will, Dere’s A Criminal is a lively, feel-good comedy that had me laughing from start to finish. When the family gathers after Charles Wilkins’ death, old rivalries, big hopes and suspicious twists make for wonderfully chaotic entertainment.
Oliver Samuels plays Uncle Raff, Charles’ financially struggling brother, and is a natural on stage. His warmth and comic timing make every moment a delight. Often called Jamaica’s “King of Comedy,” he has been making audiences laugh for more than five decades. His career began in Jamaican theatre in the early 1970s, and the much-loved television series Oliver at Large brought his humour into homes across Jamaica and beyond. That experience shines through in the easy connection he has with the audience and confident, loveable way about him that makes you want to reach out and give him a hug.
The other characters add plenty of family drama: Tesfa Edwards is Charles’ womanizing son, Clarissa (Karen Harriott) is his feisty daughter, and Louise (Angela Jarrett) is his faithful caregiver. Clarissa’s overdone British accent is a lovely part of her character and adds an extra comic spark to the family’s lively exchanges. The supporting cast brings each personality to life, keeping the story moving and the laughs coming.
Audience participation felt almost automatic: Oliver constantly breaks the fourth wall and has the crowd responding, laughing and joining in before you know it. The audience was interesting too – made up of pickneys to pensioners, and everyone seemed ready to enjoy themselves.
If you’re not Jamaican, you might wanna take along a Jamaican friend to translate—the accents and patois were strong and as a Trinidadian, there were a few references I didn’t get, but that only added to the charm.
A lovely night out at Catford Broadway Theatre, full of laughs, warmth and great Caribbean humour. Catch the show at Catford again on 24 October – a treat for fans and a fun introduction for newcomers.
NEED TO KNOW: Catch Oliver Samuels in Where Dere’s A Will Dere’s A Criminal on the following remaining dates this October 2026:
Fri 23 Oct Hexagon, Reading | Book tickets
Sat 24 Oct Broadway Theatre, Catford | Book tickets
Sun 25 Oct 02 Academy, Birmingham | Book tickets
Sat 31 Oct Hackney Empire | Book tickets
Related links
Don’t Miss Oliver Samuels in his funniest play to date
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