They don’t mind poking fun at others during their shows, but it seems that some big name comics are not keen on having the tables turned on them.

Frankie Boyle and Jimmy Carr, two of the biggest names at this year’s Brighton Comedy Festival, have refused to allow their shows to be reviewed by our reporters.

Ardal O’Hanlon, star of Father Ted and My Hero, who had also previously not provided review tickets, changed his mind when contacted by The Argus – and handed us review tickets for his show at Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange tonight.

More than 20 other shows will also be reviewed during the festival, which runs until October 23.

Brighton-based comedian Stephen Grant who performs his show Facepalm at the Corn Exchange on Saturday (17/10) said comics can be very sensitive about reviews.

He said: “All comics are bothered about reviews because you spend a long time working on a show and if they are not liked you do feel slightly aggrieved.

“It is hard though because when you do a show you play to the whole room but when you get reviewed it is down to whether that one person likes you.

“But in the past I have had reviews which have helped me.”

A spokeswoman for Chambers Management Ltd which represents both comedians refused to comment on whether the stars were scared of The Argus reviewers.

She said: “There hasn't been a press allocation for these two specific shows (along with other acts at this festival) as both Jimmy and Frankie would like as many of their fans to see them as possible and this is the same for a lot of big name comics across festivals and tours.

“They would rather give the review tickets and space to other comics that require the exposure and who are just starting out their careers.”

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