IT WAS a stand-up show with a difference.

Comedian Eddie Izzard was on stage in Southampton - but he was not delivering his usual routine.

He gave a special performance at Switch nightclub to more than 350 students on why he supports the UK remaining in the European Union.

Hundreds had queued up to see the funnyman and get the chance to ask him questions about the upcoming referendum as part of his Stand Up for Europe tour.

The star, looking glamorous in heels, a pink beret and with his nails painted with the Union flag and the EU flag, spoke to students about why it is important they make sure they register to vote.

He said: "A lot of young people are positive about Europe but the opportunities in the EU could be taken away from them, my generation had it and they should have it too.

"Opportunities like cheap flights, your health care in Europe and zero roaming charges in the EU from 2017.

"You have got to register by June 7 and it is really important as it will affect young people straight away."

Izzard was at the Above Bar Street club as part of his campaign which sees him travel to 31 cities in 31 days to promote reasons why we should stay a member of the EU.

He said: "What I am doing is going to 31 cities in 31 days with my painted nails saying I am proud to be British and I am proud to be European, I am proud to be both.

"Let's stand and fight for our country place in Europe rather than run and hide."

After his talk he fielded questions from the audience about the EU, including on trade deals and the hot button topic of the referendum - immigration.

Izzard said: "When economic times are good, people in our country say 'can't we get some immigrants to do the jobs that we won't do?' and when times are bad we say 'what are they doing here, who let them in?'"

"It just goes on and on and on."

Ben Franklin is the president of Union Southampton, the University of Southampton's student union which hosted the comedian.

He said: "We are very lucky to have Eddie Izzard with us to talk about remaining in the EU.

"The Union voted and we are supporting remaining in the EU because of the benefits it brings to education.

"Young people are most likely not to vote and its is important to get involved with it as the effects will be felt by the younger generation."