The setting was 1920s Egypt and the action began in a hotel overlooking a Cairo market square – and so it continued for another 50 hours in an epic improvisation marathon.

Hackney Gazette: Performance at the 50-hour comedy improvisation marathon in Hoxton Hall.Performance at the 50-hour comedy improvisation marathon in Hoxton Hall. (Image: Archant)

Actors flew in from all over the world to Hoxton Hall for the London 50-hour Improvathon.

Hackney Gazette: Performance at the 50-hour comedy improvisation marathon in Hoxton Hall.Performance at the 50-hour comedy improvisation marathon in Hoxton Hall. (Image: Archant)

From Friday to Sunday night, 25 ad-libbed shows - each lasting nearly two hours - were played out to mark the 90th year of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

“It was a blast, an extraordinary wild quite moving adventure,” said director Adam Meggido, who had to keep tabs on the action.

“It was hilariously funny all the way through but there were some really interesting bits about life and death and Egyptian reincarnation and rebirth, so there were some big themes going on there.

“I didn’t do all 50 hours because I’ve been in and out of hospital, but about 10 of them did - they are all still standing,” added Mr Meggido.

“A couple of them did it for the first time ever, we are always delighted to welcome people to the ‘50 Club’.”