Comedian Lee Evans will be at the Theatre Royal Margate on Sunday, May 18.

The Work in Progress gig gives Lee the chance to test new material in front of a live audience ahead of his nationwide Monsters tour which begins in August and includes six nights at the O2 in London.

The Monsters tour is one of the most anticipated comedy events this year. Viagogo says there have been 27 per cent more searches for Evans than the Monty Python reunion.

Famous for his high-energy performances and record-breaking tours, Evans is one of the world’s most successful stand-ups. He has also made his mark in Hollywood, starring in hit films including The Fifth Element, There’s Something About Mary and Night at the Museum.

Theatre Royal programme manager Pam Hardiman said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring Lee Evans to the Theatre Royal. This goes to show that Margate really is on the map as one of the best locations for comedy in the South East.”

Given the likely demand for tickets to this show, management at the venue have decided to run a ballot.

The only way to get a ticket for this event is by registering at www.theatreroyalmargate.com, or you can register for the ballot in person at Margate Winter Gardens box office.

The ballot will ensure that existing Friends of Margate Theatres and Thanet residents get priority in the ticket allocation.

Extra measures to prevent tickets being sold for profit will be in place, including no online sales, tickets only being available for collection on the day of the event and attendees must have photo ID and matching credit/debit card used to purchase the tickets.

Tickets seen to be sold online will be cancelled. Full terms and conditions of the ballot can be found on the Theatre Royal Margate website.

Ballot registration is open until 5pm Friday, March 21. Tickets will cost £25.