In an increasingly anxious world, laughter could well be the best medicine, and the Bermuda Festival is delivering three healthy doses of comedy when Boothby Graffoe and Antonio Forcione open a three-night run at Daylesford Theatre tonight.

The comic genius behind Boothby is James Rogers, one of the hottest and most sought-after comics on the British and international comedy circuits. Boothby is laid back, dead pan and his humour is effortless and surreal. Audiences regularly try to distinguish between the rehearsed and unrehearsed, and he has a unique line in comic songs with off-the-wall titles.

Starting out as a comedian in the 1980s on BBC Radio, he took his first show to Edinburgh in 1994 and was critically acclaimed. He has since won numerous awards. Graffoe has written acclaimed plays, written shows for BBC radio, and will premiere his new show, 'Fret', which also stars guitar maestro Antonio Forcione, at the Melbourne Comedy Festival prior to a UK tour this Spring.

Award-winning guitarist Antonio Forcione is hailed as one of Europe's most versatile performers who breaks the mould of most conventional, popular guitar sounds. His 12 albums have hit the top of international jazz charts, and he has shared the stage with some of the world's most accomplished musicians.

Italian-born Forcione first attracted attention at the age of 13 touring Italy with a band as a guitarist, mandolin player and drummer. Before moving to London he studied art, sculpture and music in his native Italy. Unable to speak English, he initially resorted to busking in the streets of London's Covent Garden. Within two months he had won an award, appeared on BBC TV, and opened for a major pop group on their European tour.

It is his unique exploration of the guitar, coupled with a charismatic stage presence, that sets Forcione apart from most other performers. He uses the entire body of the guitar as a percussive tool, tapping, caressing, pulling strings, with an exuberance and driving energy that leave audiences dazzled. His innovative approach has also led him to explore music comedy - a path which has won him more acclaim and awards.

Always unpredictable, Forcione's art, is described as "a celebration of the unexpected elements in life, a music of rare delicacy and, not least, passion".

All performances begin at 8.45 p.m.