Taking a vacation from life
“Laughter is an instant vacation,” comedian Milton Berle once said.If that’s the case this weekend should feel like a two-week stay on the beaches of Bali.Nadanja Bailey and Image Entertainment have organised a line-up of ten of the best up-and-coming comedians in North America to bring down the house at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts tomorrow night, starting at 8.30pm.The second instalment of Wreck Shop promises to be the kind of event that leaves you in stitches and gasping for air in between laughs.Mr Bailey said: “It’s not just a comedy competition, it still is a comedy show and we haven’t had a comedic show with this much talent this year.“With everything going on and everyone being so stressed out, losing their jobs, we still need to laugh and be entertained.“For me that is the highlight to put on this production and bring everyone in and make a great night of it.”Mr Bailey said he handpicked each one of the entertainers, but it will be up to the audience to decide which comedian goes on to the final show in November.The first instalment of the comedy show held last July got rave reviews from attendees, with comedian Richie Redding getting the crowd vote for most laughs of the night. However, fewer than 100 people attended.Mr Bailey said he was determined to get the word out about this weekend’s event to ensure it was a success. “The sales are going to be much better than last time. I have already covered my backside in that department. I can’t take another hit like last time.”Comedians will include TuRae Gordon, whose career began in the 1990s when he entered and won his first open mic competition at the renowned Philadelphia Laff House. He has since won numerous awards, including the 2007 World Cup Comedy Clash at London’s Hackney Empire Theatre.New Jersey native Trev Houston, who has been performing at comedy clubs and college campuses across the United States, will also take the stage tomorrow night.Funny man D’Lai first performed at the Funny Bone Club in Los Angeles and has since appeared on BET’s ‘ComicView, Live in Hollywood’. He was also the winner of the 2004 Las Vegas Star Search.Kiana Dancie has shared the stage with several well-known stars and was featured on ‘Who’s Got Jokes?’.Canadian John Moses got his start performing at Yuk Yuk’s Superclub; he combines raw, edgy humour with hot topics like race and politics.Other acts include Moses the Comic, who has performed at the historic Laff House and Queen Aishah, whose witty style earned her an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2004.Comedians Barbara Carlyle, Eddie Bryant and Pat Brown will also take the stage tomorrow night.Tickets, $50, are available at All Wrapped Up, Fabulous Fashions, 27th Century Boutique and online, www.bdatix.bm.