Apparently laughing is the new Atkins, so if you're looking for a way to get that bikini bod in shape check out The Second City That Never Sleeps 24 hour comedy marathon this weekend at the city's premier chuckle club.

The third annual presentation of this event features twenty-four continuous hours of improv comedy with a core group of actors from the troupe; this year it's Matt Baram, Lisa Brooke, Christy Bruce, Paul Constable, Scott Montgomery, Anand Rajaram, and Naomi Snieckus. If a day and night of improv sounds a little daunting, have no fear: Torontoist understands. There will also be a little live music, a handful of buskers, and a silent auction to divert your attention. In addition, the event boasts a high celeb quotient. Guest stars include Colin Mochrie, Sean Cullen, and Jon Dore, as well as appearances by members of Evil Dead: the Musical, Women Fully Clothed, The Sketchersons, and The Royal Canadian Air Farce.

The tickets are $20, but that gets you in-and-out privileges for the total twenty-four. There will also be continuous food and beverage service and maybe best of all an extended liquor license! Not only will this affair help you to staunch the squish of those pesky love handles but you'll be supporting a worthy cause, too: all profits from this event go toward the Therapeutic Clown Program at SickKids.

The laugh fest takes place at the Second City Theatre, 51 Mercer Street from noon on Sunday, June 1 to noon on Monday, June 2. Younguns under 12 are free between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday (when accompanied by a paying adult).

Photo by goodonpaper.