A RICH man fallen on hard times was just one of the improvised scenes enacted at a new event at Oxford’s Pegasus Theatre.

The inaugural It’s a Knockout Comedy Improv Show was described as a meeting of X-Factor and Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Hosted by Abi Hood of Kepow Theatre Company, and directed by Kevin Tomlinson, 10 comics compete against each other to be crowned King or Queen of improvisation.

The event will take place on the fourth Thursday of every month and will feature a mix of performers – some regulars, some guests – with the previous month’s winner returning to defend their crown.

The winner of September’s show was Nicholas Stratton, with 25 points.

Seamus Allen, who came second with his rich man act, said: “It was so much fun – I had a ball.” Tickets for the show, which is suitable for anyone aged over 15, cost £10 full price and £8 concessions – call 01865 812150.