Rock enjoys Britain's largest comedy crowd

LONDON, May 24 (UPI) -- U.S. comedian Chris Rock has set a British record for audience members at a comedy performance by entertaining 15,900 fans in London, record keepers say.

The 43-year-old comedian drew thousands of fans to London's O2 Arena, easily surpassing the previous British comedy record of 10,108 audience members at a 2005 performance by comic Lee Evans, the BBC reported.

The record, which occurred during the first of Rock's two performances in Britain, was deemed official by Guinness World Records officials who determined all record regulations had been met.

The BBC said Rock first performed outside the United States in January when he took his comedy routine on the road in Britain.

Evans, a native of Britain, will now attempt to retake the live comedy crown in October when he performs at the London arena, the broadcaster said.