Where Dere’s A Will, Dere’s A Criminal is King of Caribbean Comedy, Oliver Samuels’ latest comedy play touring across the UK in October.
Written and directed by Samuels’ and featuring a fantastic cast, critics are describing the play as his funniest to date. Samuels showcases his more than 50 years’ experience and talent as a comedian, actor, playright in this, his latest play, touring across the UK throughout October.
What happens when Jamaican businessman and former rail worker Charles Wilkins passes away, and those nearest and dearest to him gather for his funeral and for the reading of his will? This is the premise of the hilariously funny Where Dere’s A Will, Dere’s A Criminal.
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Wilkins’ faithful caregiver Louise (Angela Jarrett), his womanising son Leroy (Tesfa Edwards), his feisty British-based daughter Clarissa (Karen Harriott) and his financially challenged brother Raff, played by Samuels, all have reasons to hope that they will receive something from the estate. However, major doubts begin to surface about who is in, and more importantly, who is out of the will, leading to hilarious and suspenseful consequences as the big day approaches!

We caught the play when it stopped by at Catford, London. where it was a sell-out crowd, and the atmosphere on the night was buzzing with excitement. It was clear fans of Samuels were not going to pass up the chance of seeing the legendary comedian in their hometown.
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The bright and homely set design was the perfect backdrop to the storyline. Kudos to the production team. From “curtains up”, the laughter was relentless. The simple yet witty storyline held the audience captive throughout the two-hour show. Pulling everything together was the hugely talented cast. Loud cheers were heard at the first appearacnce of each cast member, showing how loved they all are.

Image credit: Melan Magazine
Occasionally, the use of Patois left me temporarily unable to follow the dialogue, but I found myself laughing uproariously along with the crowd anyway, due to the antics of the cast on stage. A highlight that the audience enjoyed and responded well to, were the frequent instances of Oliver Samuels as Uncle Raff breaking the fourth wall to interact directly with the audience. His charm and showmanship is undeniable, and he had the audience engaged and interacting enthusiastically.
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Speaking about the play, before launch, Oliver Samuels said: “Where Dere’s A Will, Dere’s A Criminal is one of the funniest plays I have written and directed. Come and see how we take serious things, mek joke! The UK audience has the loudest laughs we ever get and England is like a second home to me.”
Don’t miss the chance to see this hilarious play, and the inimitable Oliver Samuels himself.
Tour dates: Where Dere’s A Will, Dere’s A Criminal by Oliver Samuels | October 2026
- Sat 10 Oct Zorastrian Centre, Harrow www.Accessuktickets.co.uk
- Sun11 Concert Hall Fairfield Halls, Croydon www.Fairfield.co.uk
- Sat 17 and Sat 24 Broadway Theatre, Catford www.broadwaytheatre.org
- Sat 18 Oct Albert Hall, Nottingham http://www.eventbrite.com
- Sun 25 Oct | O2 Academy, Birmingham www.ticketmaster.co.uk
- Sat 31 Oct Hackney Empire www.hackneyempire.co.uk