Comedy fans were given an extra dose of side-clenching stand-up when a TV star made an unannounced appearance at a gig.

Thousands of people geared themselves up for an evening of fun and frolics at Brighton Comedy Festival’s opening gala at the Brighton Dome on Friday.

Funnymen and women including Jo Brand, Adam’s Hills, Romesh Ranganathan and Josh Widdicombe were billed to appear at the festival’s curtain-raiser.

But the packed-out crowd got more than they bargained for when star comedian and former Britain’s Got Talent judge Michael McIntyre stepped on stage to deliver a set that left the hysterical audience begging for more.

Former Argus journalist Caroline Sutton, who was sat in the crowd, said: “He showed us why he’s considered one of the best of his generation with his stories of moving to the country from London and hearing some of the terrifying night calls of the local wildlife, to a description of his visit to an orthotic clinic with a range of funny walks which would rival a Monty Python sketch.”

Other appreciative audience members took to Twitter to declare their love for McIntyre and his impromptu appearance.

Natalie Harvey, from Brighton, said: “Can't believe I've just seen Michael McIntyre! Incredible surprise guest at the Brighton comedy gala!”[sic] But not everyone was left reeling with joy.

Another Twitter user said: “Michael Mcintyre is the David Cameron of comedy. Had to leave when he came on at the #Brighton Dome last night.”[sic]

The Brighton Comedy Festival runs until October 25 and features names including hip-hop comedian Doc Brown, TV’s Celebrity Juice regular Chris Ramsey, Jack Dee, Rich Hall, Simon Amstell, Milton Jones and more.

The festival has been filling city venues including the Brighton Dome, The Old Market and Komedia for the past 13 years.

For more information visit www.brightoncomedyfestival.com