Jamaican-born Hollywood star Jeffery Anderson-Gunter (centre) poses backstage with Ity (left) and Fancy Cat.

When Jamaican comic-duo Ity and Fancy Cat made their first ever appearance in the entertainment capital of America as headliners for the annual Caribbean Comedy Series at the Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel in Los Angeles, California, last Saturday, they made it clear to all why they are the hottest comic act in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

They came, they saw, they conquered. The Jamaicans entertained and captivated the capacity crowd and won scores of new fans. Patrons were literally falling off chairs, holding their chests, and gasping for breath, as the outrageous two piled on the laughter with their hilarious antics and side splitting commentary on life in Jamaica.

It was the largest turnout ever for the decade-old Caribbean Comedy series put on in Los Angeles by Guyanese promoter Marcus Branche. And even before the show started, the atmosphere was full of festivity and excitement, as people milled about in the lobby, laughing in anticipation and discussing their favourite Youtube clips of Ity and Fancy Cat.

Opening acts included veteran female comic Henrietta and Trinidad-born actor/comedian Gerry Bednob. Bednob made appearances in TV series 'The Wonder Years' and films 'Encino Man' and starred as Mr Burundi on the Fox television show 'Undeclared' before landing the breakthrough role as Mooj in the popular film 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin'.

BET Comic View regular David Arnold also made a cameo appearance on the show, which was hosted by Haitian/American comic star Wil Sylvince. Dawnn Lewis, star of sitcoms like 'A Different World' and 'Hanging with Mr Cooper' as well as Jamaican-born Hollywood star Jeffery Anderson Gunter were among the celebrities who came out to support the event; and they all left thoroughly impressed with the duo.

Interestingly, Branche actually wanted to book Blakka Ellis, who had performed successfully on two previous editions of the show.

However Ellis, who announced his retirement from onstage stand-up comedy in 2009, highly recommended that the promoter go instead for the duo whose popularity, energy and currency made it a very easy switch.

After their conquest of California, the duo now sets sight on upcoming shows in St Maarten in February, Trinidad and Tobago in March and London in April. Their popular sketch-comedy series on Jamaican TV also goes into full-fledged production mode soon for a fourth season and this is a feat that is unprecedented, since no other local comedy before has ever lasted beyond two seasons.