Tickets for a surprise Michael McIntyre stand-up show have sold out within minutes of going on sale.

The Marlowe Theatre announced the hugely-popular comic will be coming to Canterbury on June 28, sparking a desperate scramble for tickets.

The short-notice gig, titled Work in Progress, will see the 46-year-old - who is more used to playing sold-old arena shows - try out new material.

Show tickets went on sale to members and Friends of theatre at 10am on Friday - but sold out within five minutes.

Those attempting to get their hands on the £27 tickets reported being on hold with the box office for two-and-a-half hours in a mad rush to see the TV star.

Tickets are due to go on general sale tomorrow at 10am, but they will only be for returns.

For those trying to make a profit on their purchases, the theatre warns any reselling of tickets will result in the cancellation of a booking.

McIntyre, who was the highest-grossing stand-up comic in the world in 2012, is one of the biggest names in comedy.

He presents his own Saturday night series, Michael McIntyre's Big Show, and the BBC One game show, The Wheel.

While he usually sells out huge arenas, he has a number of shows scheduled at smaller venues this month.

The Marlowe has a capacity of about 1,200.