Eden Cinemas are working to lower the cost of tickets for acclaimed UK comedian Jimmy Carr’s live show in Malta after being inundated by complaints from fans angered by the high prices.

Carr, one of the most popular comedians in the UK and host of 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Big Fat Quiz of The Year, is due to perform in Malta on April 15 and 16 as part of a global tour of his live show Funny Business.

Maltese fans, however, were left incensed after Eden announced that the cheapest tickets for the show would be priced at €50, with the top tier at €120 – despite Carr’s website advertising tickets at £25 (€32).

A Facebook page set up by Eden to promote the show quickly turned into an endless stream of angry complaints – which have now been blocked by the company – with some claiming it would be cheaper to fly abroad and watch the show there.

An Eden Cinemas spokesman told the Times of Malta this afternoon that the high prices were necessitated by the cost of bringing a comedian of Carr’s calibre to Malta and the relatively small size of the venue – Eden’s Cinema 16.

“While we are sure that the two shows will sell out, we are aware that there would be a large number of fans who would be disappointed that they would not be able to see him, therefore we are working with Jimmy’s agent to try and find a larger venue to accommodate this show on the same dates,” the spokesman said.

“If we manage we would make sure that the ticket price is lowered to make sure that more people can enjoy the show and those who have bought tickets will be refunded the over payment accordingly. Currently we have stopped sales while we coordinate and will advise the public in due course.”