television talk shows are an almost permanent feature of the social landscape.

But after this weekend, viewers whose daily television diet has included these shows as a staples may look at them a bit differently.

On Friday and Saturday Jarizhino (Jah) Simmons' Baby Trouble productions is putting on a backhanded tribute of sorts to the television talk show entitled "Da Talk Show''.

He has assembled a cast of seven for the event that tries to poke a little fun and raise a few eyebrows.

"It's just a mockery,'' he explained. "I wrote it in a week and it's about how ridiculous they sometimes can be.

"I can remember there was a time when I was addicted to watching them. I would wake up in the morning to Jerry Springer followed by Maury Povich.

"Following up on the success of my last play `One of da fam-lee' in October, I decided to tackle the talk show.'' It was during a rehearsal for his October play that the idea came to him. It came up in a conversation among himself Zahra Jabbar, and Kion Simmons.

Now both Simmons and Jabbar will join Sia Spence, Nadonja Bailey and Darren Simmons for this production.

"It's going to be a stellar all-Bermudian production,'' he added. "Local funny man Bootsie, Spiritual Peace, Nicole (Lady Tyson) Francis and Spiritual Peace and a special guest entertainer will also feature among the night's events.'' Part proceeds for the two night show will go to the Learning Centre. PLP MP Nelson Bascome Jr. is the distinguished patron.

Tickets are on sale at the City Hall box office as well as Jeans Plus. They cost $30 for patrons and $20 for regular admission. The show starts at 8 p.m.

on Friday and Saturday evening although a reception for patrons will be held on Saturday at 7 p.m.

STELLAR CAST -- Baby Trouble Productions weekend extravaganza "Da talk Show'' will feature (from left) Earl (Bootsie) Woolfe, Darren Simmons, Jarizhino Simmons, Sia Spence, Kion Simmons, Zahra Jabbar and (front) Nadanja Bailey.