Stand-up continues despite stage collapse

A comic collapsed on stage on Friday night - yet continued to deliver his set, lapsing in and out of consciousness.

Compere Mark Olver dislocated his knee within seconds of taking to the stage of the Jesters comedy club in Bristol.

In agonising pain and unable to move, he continued to deliver his material from the floor.

The baffled audience were unsure whether Olver was joking until paramedics arrived 20 minutes later to give him gas and air.

He said: "I was on stage for less than 15 seconds when I dislocated my knee and collapsed.

"I was in huge pain but did about 15 minutes of material while on the floor, passing out every now and then because of the pain, and then coming back round to do the punchline.

"Paramedics came after about 20 minutes - which was when the audience finally knew I wasn't taking the piss ­ and gave me gas and air. The gas caused me to hyperventilate, making all my muscles tighten.

"There were about 180 people in, and I got a standing ovation on my way out - or so I was told as I was completely spaced out by then.

"Noel James and Trevor Crook then had to go on and finish the show, with the audience ever so slightly freaked out."

Published: 21 Jul 2003