Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
Left: Christopher Daley, 'driver' of the comedy bus. - CONTRIBUTED. Right: Everaldo Creary, 'ducta' for the comedy bus on Wednesday night. - ROGER CHUCK/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
STARTING TOMORROW, those seeking a 'buss' in stand-up comedy will have a chance to book a ride on the comedy bus as it starts its tour of Jamaica.
The official kick-off of the Cashpot Comedy Buss Competition, in association with MiPhone, took place on Wednesday evening where those hopeful of making a serious business of laughter will gather tomorrow, at Backyaad on Constant Spring Road, St. Andrew, with auditions for Kingston and St. Andrew.
And while there was a healthy dose of laughter at the brief function, hosted by Doneisha Prendergast, two of the judges made it clear that it was a serious business.
JUDGING THE JOKERS
Peer Heslop, who will do the preliminary judging as the competition (created by Si-Wi-Yah Entertainment) hits the road for seven consecutive Saturdays, said "Don't expect a joke from me. I will be there to see if you are ready with a joke. I will not be coming with a joke. I will be there to judge if you are a joker."
And chief judge Owen 'Blakka' Ellis, who along with Dorothy Cunningham will assess the joke givers after Heslop, said "I am really proud to be a part of this thing. I will try to be gentle but be honest. Because if it no buss it no buss. And if it no buss I will speak my mind."
The auditions, which take place between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., go to Leiba Gas Station in May Pen on Saturday, July 29, for Clarendon and St. Catherine, then Fayor's Entertainment Centre, Mandeville, on August 5 for persons from Manchester and St. Elizabeth.
The following Saturday, it is Hotel Commingle in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, for Westmoreland and Hanover, then Pier 1 in Montego Bay for St. James and Trelawny.
St. Mary and St. Ann get their turn at the James Bond Beach, Oracabessa, on August 26, and the final audition is at the Folly Ground for St. Thomas and Portland on Saturday, September 2.
But even as Comedy Buss goes around the island, it will go into homes through a television show hosted by Christopher 'Johnny' Daley on CVM TV, starting on Friday, August 4.
PUBLIC INPUT
The public will be able to make an input through MiPhone, the company's Colin Webster saying "We really need you (comedians). You are a part of what makes living in this country bearable."
Sonia Davidson on Cashpot said "We are going to have fun, it's going to be exciting."
And she warned those who attend the auditions to "make sure you have your Cashpot ticket in hand for a draw on that day. It is very important."
After Ellis spoke, a horn blew, an engine revved and a real comedy bus, big and white with 'Comedy Buss' markings, rolled across the courtyard with Christopher 'Johnny' Daley and Everaldo Creary on the front step.
After some fanfare, they hit the stage, arguing briefly and humorously over who is the driver and who is the conductor.
"Finally, I think we are at the point where corporate Jamaica is believing in comedy," Daley said.
The launch began and ended with the poetry of the Nomaddz, Si-Wi-Yah Entertainment's Coleen Lewis giving the details of the competition and thanking the several sponsors.
