Comedy remains foremost among contemporary trends in theatre in the Caribbean. The popular play still dominates and concern for the box office end is the major influential factor keeping commercial theatre open. Yet, there are attempts at social relevance and artistic statements which account for some variety and a surviving persistent interest in formal traditions.
Of interest is that within the continued dominance of the popular and the comic, various different types have emerged. Some of these have been ephemeral, including the fairly weak ones, while others have spread across countries, and some retain a very interesting component of indigenous content.
These trends across the West Indian islands are pertinent. In Trinidad and Tobago, stand-up comedy has held its own, but Raymond Choo Kong was dominant on the popular stage. It was mainly his productions that kept commercial theatre on the map, reflecting the demand for fast-moving, racy and hilarious comedies. It is to be seen who or what will replace him, or whether his departure leaves a gap.
