'Greetings Across the World' provides rich material

Since it first aired in 1987, Greetings Across the World has become a Jamaican Christmas staple, with many families being able to see their loved ones in the diaspora as they send them greetings. The range of personalities who appear on the programme has naturally made it a rich trove of material for theatre practitioners and comedians, who have often incorporated elements of the programme in sketches and skits over the years.

Among some of the popular comedians and scriptwriters who have incorporated elements of the programme into their acts are Ity and Fancy Cat, Dahlia Harris, Coleen Lewis and social media sensation, Julie Mango. In all cases, referencing Greetings Across the World is sure to generate much laughter.

" Greetings Across the World is a source material for us, because it is a part of the Jamaican experience at Christmas. Therefore, it becomes an easy source of current material for us to pull from," explained Ian 'Ity' Ellis of the comedic duo, Ity and Fancy Cat.

"Every year, we look forward to seeing our loved ones in the Jamaican Diaspora on television, and we can relate to it. As Jamaicans, we also do things outside of the ordinary, and therefore this is also part of the experience when watching," he added.

Coleen Lewis, co-creator and producer of the Comedy Bus series, explains that the show became a part of her revue because comedians poke fun at reality, and the programme is one of the most authentic on television.

"My plays and theatrical revues were social commentaries which highlight what's happening in society. Greetings Across the World is a part of our Christmas culture as Jamaicans, and incorporating it in a skit helps us to appreciate the programme, [and] our fellow Jamaicans, and it is also a reflection of our 'Jamaican reality'," she stated.

Ellis shared that he and Fancy Cat have performed the Greetings From Across The World skit multiple times to positive reviews.

"People often tell us at the end of our routine or a video that they enjoyed the skit," he revealed. "I have also received positive feedback from the team at the Jamaica National Group, who are the sponsors of the programme."

Horace Hines, general manager, JN Money Services, explains that the programme is a Jamaican staple, and it displays the diverse personalities of Jamaicans, which makes it appealing to comedians.

"Comedians are known to poke fun at reality, and Greetings Across the World are Jamaicans being their true selves. Consequently, many will find it appealing, in terms of being a repository for source material," he stated.

The comedians say deciding which characters to use can be tricky, but this has added to the enjoyment of drawing from the programme for inspiration.

"The best way is to use a regular person sending greetings, and someone who is not shy to show their personality. The regular person may list out their entire family or community; however, the one with the strong personality will say something normal. It can also be the other way around. But it adds to the humour," said Lewis.

Ellis added, "Each person on the programme tells a story, and as comedians, our aim is to tell those stories. The skits are not meant to offend or ridicule. Rather, they are meant to entertain and pay tribute to Jamaicans."

A five-minute programme that allows Jamaicans living in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and the Cayman Islands, to send greetings to their loved ones in Jamaica, Greetings Across the World, is aired on television three times daily during the Christmas season.