GET ready to have your funny bone well and truly tickled as Comedy Bonanza blasts back onto the stage at Blackpool Grand Theatre this July.

Faces may have changed from last year but the winning formula of family entertainment at the right price is still top of the bill for holidaymakers and residents alike.

Blackpool-born John Inman (pictured) was happy to break from filming Mumbo Jumbo with Melinda Messinger to say "I'm Free" to hosting a packed line-up which includes cheeky Yorkshire comic Billy Pearce, classical pianist, singer and all round entertainer Kev Orkian (who replaces famous pianist Bobby Crush due to prior commitments) and local songbirds The Nolans.

All backed by a little bit of sparkle and high kicks from the Bonanza Showgirls.

And there's more...

Decidedly daft funnyman from Bally-go-Backwards, Jimmy Cricket, will be pulling on his famous wellies to delight the crowds in his own inimitable style.

Grand Theatre general manager Stephanie Sirr knows a good thing when she sees it and said of the hit show: "We believe we have the winning formula with Comedy Bonanza. "Holidaymakers want a broad range of quality entertainers at an affordable price and we know that with Artist Management Group Ltd, we always have glorious sets, costumes and a first class band.

"We were delighted with the results of Comedy Bonanza '99 with Cannon and Ball, Johnnie Casson and Frank Carson to name a few of the fabulous acts.

"And we are confident that we will once again smash box office records with this summer's spectacular show."

Comedy Bonanza 2000 runs from July 6-October 28 every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 8pm and every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6.15pm and 8.45pm. For tickets from £7 and further details call the box office on (01253) 290190.