Guard those funny bones

Every girl likes a funny guy. But a funny guy who preaches political correctness in a bid to bring the people of this warring world a little closer together? Well that's just one Bruce Willis short of the best action movie plot ever!

The Axis of Evil, a trio of Arab-American comedians, combine comedy, politics and pop culture in one hell of humourous ride. Through jokes and finely tuned routines, they're out to address misconceptions about the Middle East and its international image. How worthy! (Swoon). Perhaps a sense of humour is all we really need to help cultures better understand each other?

The trio consists of critically-acclaimed and internationally recognised comedians and actors, Ahmed Ahmed, Aron Kader and Maz Jobrani. Their name itself was applied after President Bush called Iraq, Iran and North Korea the Axis of Evil, after 9/11 and before the war in Iraq: "It's taking a term we felt was silly and we're twisting it on its head," says Jobrani.

Although, Middle East society and politics form the basis of the act, the Axis comedians insist they ‘make fun' of their own situation and the things that Middle Easterners have to go through. They never make fun of the victims, but of the people that say and do things they think don't make sense - George Bush, for example (no comment - ahem)

The guys are set to embark on their first tour of the Middle East this month, in partnership with Showtime Arabia. The tour kicks off on 17th November in Amman and will travel to Cairo, Dubai and Beirut, Lebanon.

Want to be a star yourself?

Get those routines at the ready, folks. The long term aim here is to find ‘the best new stand-up comedian talent from the region', and following their last search for an Arabic football commentator, Showtime is holding ‘open mic' casting sessions during the tour.

The audition details and updates are posted on the Showtime Arabia website. These trials will be judged by the Axis trio and Showtime producers to make sure that whether Arabic or English, you get your chance to shine.

Showtime will also shoot the ‘behind the scenes' action from the Axis of Evil tour, as well as the casting sessions - so you might even get on the telly!

Middle East tour dates:

AMMAN: Al Qasr Hotel - 16th, 17, 18th and 19th November

CAIRO: Al Sawy Centre - 20th and 21st November

DUBAI: Dubai Community Theatre, Mall of the Emirates - 27th, 28th and 29th November

BEIRUT: 5th and 6th December (check the website for locations).