The launch of the foundation dedicated to the life of thespian, radio, stage and screen actor, broadcaster and comedian, the late Charles Hyatt, got underway in truly Charlie fashion — with laughter

At the Pantry Playhouse in New Kingston on Monday night a spotlight brought into focus a lone portrait sitting on a easel centrestage. Then out of nowhere comes the familiar sound of Hyatt’s voice.

It is a recording of one of his stand-up routines in which he bemoans getting old. According to Hyatt he is at the stage in life when he is referred to as old folk. “That means everything I am stalking is folkery,” her quipped, much to the amusement of his audience.

He continues, “this folkery doesn’t seem to be a bad thing as so many persons are being recognised at the highest level for their… folkery.”

Hyatt recalled the work of folklorist Miss Lou who was recognised worldwide for her folkery, The Jamaican Folk Singers who continue to sing folkery all over the world. He noted that many had even received national awards, like himself, for the folkery. Therefore it was clear to him that, “folkery is the order of the day.”

That would set a lively tone for the evening’s proceedings.

The Foundation which is the brainchild of Hyatt’s son, Charles Hyatt Jr, is aimed at promoting the legacy of this Jamaican theatre icon by providing assistance and fostering collaborations with deserving individuals Groups and institutions to promote, support and develop local arts and culture.

The younger Hyatt further disclosed that the Foundation, which representes the essence of his laer father, is already at work, providing assistance for two students at the Alpha Boys’ School with their Royal School of Music examinations. In addition, the Nannyville Early Childhood Institution in St Andrew was also the beneficiary of school supplies and a computer as part of the Foundation’s work.

The Charles Hyatt Foundation is administered by a group of theatre practitioners and members of the Hyatt family which includes his widow Marjorie, Fae Ellington, Leonie Forbes, Grace McGhie, Louis Marriot and is headed by Hyatt Jr.

The major thrust of the Foundation at this time is a scholarship for a final year student at the Edna Manley College, which will become available for the 2011-2012 school year.

The evening’s speeches were punctuated by a humorous recollection of Charles Hyatt by his friend of 46 years Louis Marriot. Comedy king Oliver Samuels had the audience in stitches as he read from Hyatt’s work When Me Was a Boy, and actor Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley — wearing Hyatt’s trademark suspenders and shorts — could ‘recall’ working with the “master.”

The entertainment package also included saxophonist Dean Fraser who blew his audience away with his renditions of Moody’s Mood for Love and I Believe in You and Me.

— Richard Johnson