50-hour comedy improvathon - are you up for it?

I’m always looking for new experiences in the theatre and, lately, that has taken me to London’s fringes and off West End venues where tickets are cheap, the talent remarkable and the theatres warm and welcoming – and what’s more it’s only 30 minutes on the train into the capital.

The 6th annual London Improvathon, being held at Hoxton Hall (10 mins from Old St tube), sounds like a lot of fun. The show, loosely based on the 90th anniversary of Howard Carter discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb, features comics and actors from around the world.

The idea for the marathon comedy-drama fest originated in Canada 20 years ago where it’s become a bit of an institution. Some of the improvisers will go the distance – that includes musicians, tech support and the director, Adam Meggido, and, after more than 30 hours sleep, anything can happen!

It is served up in two-hour segments so you can stay for as short or as long as you like. Can you join them? I think it would be kinda fun to be holed up in a theatre at four in the morning while the rest of the world is asleep.

The show starts at 7pm on Friday night and finishes On Sunday at 9pm. There’s even a special children’s episode between 11am and 1pm on Sunday.

The promoters say it’s The Mummy meets Indiana Jones via Dorothy Parker and Agatha Christie. A comedy soap opera that will be like nothing you’ve seen before.

For tickets and more information call 020 7684 0060 or go online www.hoxtonhall.co.uk ANNE COX @LBOanne