The third time is the charm definitely applies to the upcoming Just for Laughs Bermuda event.

Richard Simon, Chief Chuckler of Just for Laughs Bermuda, announced that the third Annual Just for Laughs event, presented by Transact and hosted by Digicel, will take place at Fairmont Southampton's Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre, January 8, 9 and 10.

"This will be our best show ever," said Mr. Simon.

Canadian comedy star and Gemini award winner, Shaun Majumder will host. Mr. Majumder starred in the Farrelly Brothers Fox comedy Unhitched and has been a cast member of the critically acclaimed Canadian series 'This Hour Has 22 Minutes for over five years'.

Other headliners will include Tom Papa and Danny Bhoy.

Mr. Papa was hand-picked by Jerry Seinfeld as an opening act on his tour, which continues to this day.

Later this year, Mr. Papa will star in the animated feature, 'The Haunted World of El Super Beasto', as the voice of El Super Beasto.

He currently appears in a recurring role opposite Julia Louis-Dreyfus on the CBS series, 'The New Adventures of Old Christine'.

"We've been trying to book Tom since our very first event," said Mr. Simon. "I had the opportunity to watch his one man show this summer at Just for Laughs in Montreal and loved it. He's hilarious."

Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy made his North American premier in 2005 at Just for Laughs in Montreal where the Montreal Gazette named him 'the standout hit of the Festival'.

He returned in 2007 to perform his one man show where it sold out for a ten night run. He also sold out a three week run at the famous Edinburgh Festival. Bermuda's own, Jonathan Young, who won last year's inaugural Digicel Fresh Faces of Comedy Contest will open the show.

"Jonathan was a big hit at our summer show and we're delighted that he has agreed to appear again", said Mr. Simon.

Robbie Praw, Montreal-based Producer for Just for Laughs said, "I can't get over how strong this show will be. We might only book three headliners instead of four because the audience is going to want to hear more of each performer. "I spoke to the CEO of Just for Laughs and he said that he wished he could have this show in Montreal."

The Opening Night Gala, on January 8 at 8 p.m. will be "comedy club style" this year with round tables of four, six and ten — and drink service at the table.

"This show will have an intimate atmosphere as there will be less than half the capacity of our regular shows.

"Chucklers have the opportunity to choose their table online from our SeatMap," Mr. Simon said.

Price for the Gala is $100 per seat. Special corporate hospitality tables are also available at $125 per seat and includes lanyards with plastic passes and a Just for Laughs T-shirt.

The regular weekend shows are January 9, 8 p.m. and 10.30 pm and January 10 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

There will be no intermission for Friday night's shows but there will be a short intermission for Saturday's shows. Tickets are $75 each.

Fairmont Southampton will once again offer three-course dinner packages at Bacci and Waterlot Inn.

Reservations should be made directly with the hotel on 238-8000.

For those wishing to spend the night at the hotel, they are offering residents the special rate of $169 per night, single or double occupancy plus fees.

After the tremendous success of last year's inaugural Digicel Fresh Faces of Comedy Contest, the second edition will take place at Daylesford Theatre on January 7.

Anyone with comedic talent who'd like to participate should send their name and telephone number to info@comedyevent.bm.

Participants will have three minutes to wow the crowd and judges.

The prize is $1,000 and a spot the following night at the Opening Night Gala. Tickets for Fresh Faces will go on sale on December 15.

Tickets for Just for Laughs Bermuda are now available: online at www.bdatix.bm; in person at Transact, Reid Street in The Walkway next to Trends Shoe Store or Picture Perfect, Heron Bay Plaza, across from The Marketplace; or by phone on 232-2255 or 1-800-309-8497. $3 fee per ticket applies.

For more information, please visit www.comedyevent.bm or telephone Richard Simon on 292-7232.