Lee Evans announces record-breaking tour
Popular stand-up comedian Lee Evans is poised to once again enter the record books by staging the UK's biggest ever live comedy gig as part of his forthcoming UK tour.
With a total of 300,000 tickets available, Lee Evans - Big - UK Tour 2008 will be not only Evans' largest tour to date but will make history by including the first comedy gig to grace the stage of the capital's 02 Arena (formerly the Millennium Dome).
Evans said: "It has been two years since my last stand up tour and I can't wait to hit the road again. It's a real honour to be the first comedian to play the 02 which will be the single biggest gig of my career. I have played some large venues before but this is another level completely and to be honest I'm scared shitless already!"
Evans broke the Guinness World Record for a solo act performing to the biggest comedy audience at the Manchester Evening News Arena in 2005 when he played to a crowd of 10,108. Although Evans still holds the record, Eddie Izzard has claimed to have sold more tickets - 13,530 to be precise – when his Sexie tour came to the M.E.N. Arena in 2003 (these figures were not verified by independent adjudicators though hence Evans still holds the title). However, the London 02 date is set to raise the bar with a potential sell out capacity of 15,000 people in a single night.
Craig Glenday, Editor of Guinness World Records said: "It's one thing to set a Guinness World Record, but the challenge is keeping it and making sure it stays in your name. By attempting to beat his own record, Lee is well and truly securing his place at the top of the comedy ladder. We wish him the best of luck – he's got a tough figure to beat!"
Evan's manic energy, unique delivery and comic material have made his live performances a must-see for comedy fans around the world with more than a quarter of a million people seeing his sold out 2005 XL Tour. Here's some clips from that tour:
(Contains strong language)
Tickets for Lee Evans - Big - UK Tour 2008 will on sale from 10am on Friday 26th October. The full list of venues and dates can be seen at www.offthekerb.co.uk