Spending a night at the Harquail Theatre in the company of the exuberant cast of the “Wha Happening” satirical comedy show is rather like reading a copy of Cayman Compass in an alternate universe.

From driving licence fees to landfill fires, barracuda bites and chicken coops, no subject – or nationality – is safe from Wha Happening’s unique take on the top stories of the year.

The show, now in its fourth season, has become a staple of island culture, with its self-described “sharp, silly, and unmistakably local” comedy mixed with music, film and live performance.

The cast is made up of Michael McLaughlin, Matt Brown, Lesley-Ann Bernard, Evana Martinez, Brent McLean, Illey Moya, Arthur McTaggart, Leroy Holness, Beneil Miller and others, with performances guaranteed to provoke anything from smiles and chuckles to shouts of laughter.

This year’s production cleverly alternated live performances on stage with pre-taped skits from around the island, which not only ensured the evening galloped along at a cracking pace, but also meant there was no limit to how far a subject could be taken. There will be no spoilers here, but any sketch show which contains the phrase “Jurassic Caymanian chickens” can’t be faulted.

Speaking after the dress rehearsal ahead of opening night, writer and director Brown described the show as “hyper-realism, inflamed news stories and a satirical twist on our culture. We put ourselves on the stage and intentionally sacrifice ourselves for your amusement.”

Long-time cast member McLaughlin has been in every “Wha Happening” show and was a staple of its previous incarnation, “Rundown.”

“I live for this, as my wife knows,” he said. “Hopefully the audience will lose their inhibitions and manage to laugh at not only our situations, but themselves as well. And we just want to entertain people.”

He added, “Matt has done a good job of putting it together, that even if you are unaware of the local, topical items, you’d still be able to flesh enough out from what’s being presented.”

“It’s definitely a laugh-out-loud funny show, and there’s something in it for everyone,” said Michelle Cayouette, client engagement manager at Cayman National Cultural Foundation. “The humour is so local, so you’re really seeing our own stories and experiences brought to life in a fun, relatable and enjoyable way.”

Cassandra Shea, head of theatre and festivals at CNCF, said, “Theatre and storytelling is an important part of our community, and we’re excited to continue creating space for local voices, new work and productions that bring people together.”

Asked what he would say to people who were undecided about coming, Brown said, “Don’t think it’s your choice. You have to come. Who told you that you couldn’t come?”

The show will take place over three weekends in September and October and tickets are expected to sell out. Tickets can be bought online at link345.ky

First weekend
Saturday, 19 Sept. 2pm and 7pm
Sunday, 20 Sept. 4pm

Second weekend
Friday, 25 Sept. 7pm
Saturday, 26 Sept. 2pm and 7pm
Sunday, 27 Sept. 4pm

Closing weekend
Friday, 2 Oct. 7pm
Saturday, 3 Oct. 2pm and 7pm
Sunday, 4 Oct. 4pm