IT would take a calculator to work out how many years the combined talents of Cannon & Ball, the Barron Knights and the Roly Polys have clocked up in showbiz.

But they are doing nine shows a week, six days a week at Blackpool's Grand Theatre purely because they love making people laugh.

Bobby Ball, one half of the comedy duo Cannon & Ball, said after 38 years together they're a bit like an old married couple. "But he's the woman," he stressed, with a touch of brace-twanging bravado.

The boys from Oldham are topping the bill at the Grand's Comedy Bonanza 2002, a show which runs through the summer with performances on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays and a double helping of fun on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Saturday, October 26, when the season ends, they will finally be able to take a well-earned breather.

But Bobby says he and Tommy get fed up if they're not working. "We do sometimes say 'let's have a break' and after two weeks we're phoning each other because we're bored," he said. "We're workaholics, it's become a routine. And either we enjoy going on stage, enjoy each other's company -- or we're show-offs!"

Bobby still spouts his trademark "Rock On Tommy" cry but as the boys have grown older they have adapted their act to suit their changing lifestyle. "We talk about our wives now, and our grandkids," Bobby said. "And I say because I live in Lytham St Anne's I'm the only one living here with my own hips."

Tommy lives in York but rents a house near Blackpool so he can easily travel to the Grand for the summer season. And it looks like a routine that's likely to continue for a good while yet. "We don't want to outstay our welcome but we'll be here as long as people want us, even if we have to walk on stage with Zimmer frames," Bobby said.

This year's Comedy Bonanza show boasts a completely new format, a fantastic set and promises traditional Blackpool showbiz glam with new comedy routines and exceptional song and dance routines.

Cannon & Ball played full houses at their summer season in 1999 at the Blackpool Grand Theatre -- one of the most successful summers Blackpool has ever had.

Joining them on this year's bill are The Barron Knights, whose first appearance on stage was in 1960. Since the Sixties they have tried to develop their act into an international show and they now travel the world on an annual basis performing in concert. They are hailed by their peers as the Guv'nors because they achieve things that no other band would dare to attempt.

Larger-than-life entertainers The Roly Polys started in 1982 in a Les Dawson TV show and since then have got bigger in more ways than one. They are a big favourite in panto and cabaret as well as commercials and TV.

The idea of the act was originated by Les Dawson and Ernest Maxin especially for a BBC series and of the three original members Mo did an act with her husband Roy, known as the Might Atom and Roy. In December 1991 Mo appeared on This Is Your Life.

The girls' hobbies include swimming, knitting, cooking. Their publicist says they would love to go horse riding, but the RSPCA stepped in.

The show also features former Pontins bluecoat Matt Slack, a rising star who can turn his hand to stand-up comedy, impressions, visual comedy and singing and Danny Adams, whose act consists of many ingredients including stand up comedy, knockabout comedy, comedy magic and juggling and all round madness.

Shows will be staged until Saturday, October 26; Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 8pm, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6.15pm and 8.45pm.

Tickets cost from £10 for adults and all children's seats are £5. Call the box office on 01253 290190 or group bookings on 01253 743232.