Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a little town in the foothills of the Appalachians, close to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The most famous local attraction is the Dollywood theme park. But if you visit, don’t miss the Comedy Barn Theater, a venue specializing in variety shows and comedic skits.
Funnyman Eric Lambert invited three “volunteers” from the audience to come on stage and be part of his act. He makes the usual small talk with the first one, asking his name, where he’s from, and what he does for a living.
As it happens, he works for the government, and his job is essentially to watch other people work. This leads to some good-natured ribbing and more than a few laughs. But then everyone notices the second man’s very – distinctive – laugh. It’s unbelievably funny. In fact, he just keeps on laughing and steals the show. He has everyone in stitches, including Lambert who has to go backstage a moment to compose himself.
Someone has the presence of mind to bring a microphone stand out and set it up so we can hear the man’s ridiculously funny laugh loud and clear. For the show to go on, they have to turn off the laughing man’s microphone. Even then, it’s a challenge. His manic laughter still has everyone roaring.
Lambert is at least able to ask him a few questions, so we at least learn the merry man is a school bus driver from Memphis. Words simply cannot describe this man’s laugh. Everyone loved it so much it’s now available as a cell phone ringtone!
