good reason.

I was recently able to attend one of their regular comedy explosions and was very much amused by what I found. The performances were top-class and the laughs were more than just a few.

I arrived with my crew at around 11 p.m. and already there were no tables left, so we had to sit separately, which was cool, because we could all see the show and that's all that really counts anyway, right? Soon after our arrival the show started with the host, and one half of the Platinum Plus promotions team, Shawn Miller (you know, Shawn Miller, from Washington D.C.), and the laughs would flow from that point on.

Mr. Miller got a bit local during his ten-minute opening set and, at one point, this very able host had the good-natured crowd in stitches (all 300 of us!) -- oh yes, did I mention that the `New' Clayhouse Inn was packed for this event? Next up to the mic was a surprise local act who I can't really say much about because of... er, let's just say you "hads-ta-be-dhere''. Let's also say that local comedy is alive and well! Ace boy rocked the crowd many times during his short set.

From what I saw and heard this night, I would have to say that the next comedian was by far the funniest of the evening, as well as the most visible.

Hailing from Ohio, Mr. Todd Lynn stepped onto the Clayhouse stage (night of September 11) and proceeded to extract the kind of laughter that would cause riots in some parts of the world... the kid was funny! Todd's set was a long one and the laughter never really eased completely the whole time he was on stage. His range was impressive as well, as he flexed his skills by dropping comedic gems about rap music, girls' nights out, relationship issues and, of course, the talents of black women.

Todd closed his set with an original rendition of Erica Badu's hit song `Tyrone' -- his was a male version called `Simone' -- and it was hilarious! Accompanied by his back up singers (including co-promoter Mr. Paul Harding) Todd dropped a slew of relationship situations that all ended with the familiar refrain "you betta call Simone...'' (act like you know). And with that Mr. Lynn left us rolling in the aisles.

And that's just what we got -- Sommore -- the reigning diva of comedy on BET, Def Comedy Jam, and wherever else you're liable to find hot young comics getting their groove on.

Now, if you haven't heard of Sommore, you need to get yourself a funny bone 'cuz this girl can work it! She exploded into the room wearing a VERY tasteful outfit and proceeded to circle the audience hyping up the crowd with high-fives and ever-so-discrete dances before taking the stage.

From the moment she entered her energy was high and we could tell that she was glad to be here -- and she wasted no time telling us why! I can't really say why, but I think she might be back in good old Bda real soon (just a hunch).

Sommore concentrated mainly on relationship issues during her ample set, poking fun at domestic violence, the male anatomy and female skills with reckless abandon -- as well as quite a bit of comedic flair.

She was unchained and unstoppable and, indeed, none of us wanted her to stop! But she did after about an hour of bringing tears to our eyes, she left the stage to a chorus of wild applause -- girlfriend was all that! This was a very high quality show and it was the kind of entertainment that Bermuda has been missing for a long time. Platinum Plus has a lot more in store for us according to Mr. Miller, and they should be encouraged and supported, because we all need to laugh sometimes.

Vejay Steede ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINERS ENT REVIEW REV