At just two metres square, a lift will be the smallest stage at this year's Brighton Fringe Festival. And it has 99 acts booked to perform in just nine days.

Shows will be intimate affairs, with room for only ten people to watch each one.

The stage, called the 5065 Lift, is fully operational and will be based near the West Pier from May 3 until May 11.

Comedians, musicians, actors and singers are lined up to perform and it will even host a mini film festival.

Attractions include favourites from the Brighton scene including poet and singer Jane Bom-Bane and regulars from the Howling At The Moon open mic at the Full Moon in Boyces Street.

Full Moon bar manager Kate Blows said: "We thought it was a superb idea. It's so original.

"Being in such a small space should not faze most of our performers. If anything, the intimacy should enhance the experience for both the audience and the comics."

The aluminium structure was created by Fairtrade coffee company Cafedirect, which has challenged each of the artists to perform something uplifting.

Spokeswoman Sylvie Barr said: "The idea came to us about a year ago when we were discussing how we could communicate the ideals behind our Fairtrade coffee. The lift symbolises how uplifting Fairtrade is for farmers and also in a more literal sense, the uplift you get when you drink coffee."

The lift made its first appearance at the Edinburgh Festival last year and many well-known faces are set to perform in Brighton in the run-up to this year's Scottish showcase.

Among them will be Miranda Hart from TV's comedy sketch show Smack The Pony and series Happiness, who will appear next Tuesday from 7pm.

The hosts will be comedians The Giant Pineapple Boys.

Member Anile Desai said: "It's a real challenge to be so up-close and personal with your audience."