BOLTON will be echoing to the sound of laughter within the coming month when the town's premier entertainment venues play host to some of the country's top funnymen.

Evergreen favourite Ken Dodd returns to the Albert Halls on Tuesday and Wednesday in his one man Happiness Show.

Dodd, recipient of the British Comedy Awards' highest accolade, The Lifetime Achievement Award, thrives on stage. But be warned -- this popular entertainer likes to give more than his money's worth. His shows at Bolton have been known to continue from their 7.30pm start up to midnight . . . and beyond!

The Ken Dodd show kick-starts a strong comedy season at the Albert Halls. Other one man shows also feature Harry Hill, Blaster Bates, Bobby Davro, Kevin "Bloody" Wilson -- and of course Peter Kay, whose shows sold out within two hours.

Tickets for all shows are from the Albert Halls Ticket Office on 334400.

Not to be outdone, The Octagon has signed up a couple of familiar comic names to grace its stage next month with two consecutive comedy evenings.

On February 27 Dylan Moran, Perrier award-winner and star of Channel Four's hit comedy, Black Books, performs his stand up act.

The following evening features Phoenix Nights' Dave Spikey with his special guest Justin Moorhouse.

Performance times are 7.30pm, and tickets are from 520661.