... beating Lee Evans to the record

Chris Rock is to become the first comedian to play the O2 Arena – ousting Lee Evans from his place in the history book.

Rock has today announced he will return to London in May to play a one-off gig at the former Millennium Dome, at the end of his worldwide No Apologies tour.

The announcement scuppers Lee Evan’s plans to play the first comedy gig in the arena. Last year, he announced his massive Big tour would visit the arena from October 3.

At the time, he said: ‘Being the first comedian to play at the O2 Arena will be amazing, I’m so excited.’

However, Rock will now take that title, following the sell-our success of his shows in London, Birmingham and Manchester this month.

His publicist said: ‘Chris Rock immediately sold out his original set of 2008 UK tour dates, and to satiate the fervent demand, an additional week-long overseas leg was added – and soon sold out.

‘Critical acclaim for the shows followed, and the clamour for tickets has reached fever pitch. Consequently, a date at the O2 Arena Greenwich has been announced.’

The 17,550 tickets for the May 23 gig will go on sale from 10am on Friday. Click to buy.

Rock’s world tour will include stops in Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, Seattle, Atlanta, Washington, DC., Atlantic City, Los Angeles and New York’s Madison Square Gardens before returning to London.

Later dates are planned for Australia and South Africa, where he will play for the first time.

Published: 24 Jan 2008