Demand for a Michael McIntyre show at a small theatre with 110 seats somewhat exceeded capacity.

More than 85,000 people tried to buy tickets for a warm-up gig at The Old Town Hall in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, next Tuesday, where tickets were £15.

All available tickets were in online baskets within 10 seconds of going on sale at noon.

"We have been overwhelmed with the response from customers wanting to book tickets to see Michael McIntyre and only a lucky few managed it," the venue said.

Michael McIntyre is soon to return to the BBC in a new series of his Big Show (pictured). More details here.

The Old Town Hall regularly stages comedy shows from touring acts and bigger names warming up for major tours.

Hemel Hempstead also has another place in comedy history – some of the scenes from the Ricky Gervais netflix hit After Life were filmed there.

Michael McIntyre’s Big Show starts Saturday 14 January 2023 at 6.50pm on BBC One and iPlayer

Credit: BBC/Hungry McBear/