Mark Of Respect

A tired and croaky voiced Mark Watson completed his record-breaking stand-up show at midnight last night, after more than 33 hours on stage.

33 HOURS!

The epic attempt lasted 2,005 minutes and attempted to cover the entire human history since Christ, devoting one minute to each year.

Watson was helped in his task by guest comics including Dara O'Briain, Arthur Smith, Ed Byrne and Daniel Kitson, who spent several hours as Watson's sidekick.

Australian comic Brendon Burns said of the achievement: "In terms of our art form, it's the greatest thing anyone has ever done."

In one of many stunts during the marathon gig, Burns forfeited his trousers after losing a game of Trivial Pursuit. They were burnt, and the ashes confined to an urn for future contests.

Receiving a deafening standing ovation at the end of his stint, Watson said: "This is the best thing I have ever done."