The number of searches for Prince tickets has increased by 200 per cent following the star’s recent spate of surprise gigs in North London, according to ticket marketplace Seatwave.

The diminutive pop star, who has been dropping hints that he plans to play numerous small-scale shows this month, has so far played two intimate gigs with his band 3RDEYEGIRL. As a result of the star’s tactics, social media sites have been awash with speculation from fans over where Prince will play next. Audiences have consisted of journalists, adoring fans and industry insiders.

Louise Mullock, spokesperson for Seatwave, commented: “Prince is a cultural icon and these recent guerrilla gigs prove that he hasn’t lost his flair for experimentation. The demand we are seeing for him shows that these unorthodox publicity tactics are paying off.”