There were a lot of laughs for a serious cause on Friday night, as six comedians donated their time and talent to the Sussex Beacon charity which works for HIV survivors and their families.

Hove local Simon Evans compered proceedings with his usual gravelly wry wit, introducing the city to those who might have come from out of town - “as far as Hassocks, or Ditchling.”

He was keen not to offend the residents of Brighton and the partygoers of Western Road, making it clear: “All I’m saying is, if you are a real prostitute on Western Road, you should probably wear a sign saying, ‘I’m a real prostitute.’”

Irishman Andrew Ryan and Mark Steel’s son Elliott gave us laughs in thick Cork and Estuary accents, while Phill Jupitus was dry and at times sombre, reading poetry on the stage on which he first performed in 1983.

Suzi Ruffell was got laughs confusing adopting with cat-owning, James Acaster was dry and insouciant as ever and Seann Walsh physical and fun closing the show, explaining he was disappointed to be headlining as, he said: “I was hoping for a much bigger name too.”

But the star of the show was the camp and classy Tom Allen - “these pocket handkerchiefs don’t wear themselves, you know" - who had the sold-out Dome rocking with rolling laughs, and minced off in triumph after finishing: “Remember, it’s only funny if it’s true - that’s why nobody laughs in church.”

Tom Allen is at Komedia on Thursday.

Three stars