So there we all were watching a purple-wigged guitar-playing juggler atop a swaying unicycle bashing out a Jimi Hendrix number while simultaneously juggling flaming torches.

It was, thankfully, not your ordinary dank January midweek night out in Bermuda but the finale to a sneak preview of this week's Just for Laughs spectacular.

It promises to be a blockbuster ? considering Wednesday night's intimate show at the cellar bar in the Fairmont Southampton managed go down a storm although it featured just one third of the bill, audiences will surely enjoy the full-line up tonight and tomorrow night in the larger Mid Ocean Amphitheatre venue.

First up, after an introduction by MC Bootsie, was Alonzo Bodden who is describes himself in the programme as a 'cynically good-natured in an angry suburban Negro kind of way' and thus saves me a job.

In fact this reviewer wishes he was a bit more cynical. He began with a gentle swipe at Bermuda's ludicrous tsunami scare ? surely a comedic goldmine which deserves to be plundered mercilessly.

And I found I was ready for more than one Steve Irwin joke as Mr. Bodden berated daredevil adventurers who suddenly find they have bitten off more they can chew, even if the large animal pursuing them hasn't. But those were my only quibbles about a thoroughly enjoyable set which was all too soon over.

Politics and race threw up some amusing insights including the ridiculousness of white guys acting black. "Everyone wants to be black ? until the cops show up."

There were some beautifully observed barbs at George Bush's expense and some much needed support for America's latest immigrants.

While the small, sober crowd of sponsors wasn't exactly comedy heaven, the experienced Mr. Bodden, who has done most of the big name US talk shows, was never less than comfortably conversing with the audience who preferred to let him have the spotlight.

This was then turned on juggler Frank Oliver. To be honest my heart sank when he began as physical comedy is not a favourite but his all-pervading charm quickly had everyone on his side.

His banter was as dextrous as his juggling skills, which seemed all the more tricky given the tiny stage and low ceiling. Highlights included juggling two balls in his mouth and juggling while upside down.

And the finale was nothing short of spectacular, featuring surely the most dangerous version of Purple Haze ever performed.

Not content with playing the tune while swaying around on the bike and juggling two balls, Mr. Oliver then switched up to burning rods and even finished the tune playing behind his head.

It was of course a showstopper bringing a thoroughly enjoyable evening to an end. My only regret was not seeing the other comics on the bill which include American TV regulars Jeremy Hotz, John Heffron and Rocky Laporte while local favourite Nadanja Bailey also gets a spot.

Organiser Richard Simon, who hails from Montreal and whose name is synonymous with comedy, spent four years organising Bermuda's Just for Laughs show to bring comedy to entertainment-starved Islanders who have responded well judging by ticket sales so far.

Tonight's show starts at 9 p.m. in Mid Ocean Amphitheatre. Tomorrow's shows start at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets $65 are on sale at All Wrapped Up in Washington Mall (on 295-1969) or at the venue.