Bermuda's best-loved stand-up comedian, Bootsie, thinks people need a good laugh in these stressful times, so he is hosting an international comedy show at City Hall theatre next weekend.

US comedians Smokey and Jon Laster will headline the bill. Smokey's career includes appearing on Def Jam, while Laster's resume includes television, films, comedy clubs and music videos. TV and film appearances include BET's `Comic View', and `The Best of Comic View', `Six Degrees of Separation' and the new film, `Paper Soldiers'.

As a stand-up comedian he has played such venues as Stand Up New York, Boston Comedy Club, and The Improv, and he has opened for such top artists as Patti Labelle, Aaliyah, N*Sync, and LL Cool J.

Sharing the stage with the visitors will be up-and-coming local comedians whom Bootsie describes as being "about to hit the scene".

"Everybody likes a good laugh and the material is going to be relevant," he promises. "It will make for a great show, and an hilarious one."

The popular comedian cautions, however, that the R-rated entertainment will be tailored to an adult audience, and children should definitely be left at home. The show will run from Good Friday through Easter Sunday (April 18-20). Curtain time on April 18 and 19 is 9 p.m., and on April 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets ($25) are available at 27th Century Boutique.