THE MOST at risk theatre in the country has the potential to be the performance venue of the future, according to national experts.

The Theatres Trust yesterday named the Brighton Hippodrome, pictured, the most at-risk theatre in the country as it unveiled its Theatre Buildings at Risk Register 2014 in Brighton.

Plans to convert the Frank Matcham-designed venue into a cinema and restaurant complex have been supported by Brighton and Hove City Council and handed to communities minister Eric Pickles to decide whether to review the application.

But the Theatre Trust’s director Mhora Samuel said that the Grade II*-listed building in Middle Street, Brighton could be easily adapted into a sought-after modern venue capable of hosting Cirque Du Soleil-type performances.

Our Brighton Hippodrome campaigners said they hoped that the national exposure of the at-risk register could have a positive influence on Mr Pickles.

It was one of three venues in the UK that was given top marks in the trust’s criteria which assessed immediate risk to the building, star quality of the theatre building and its community value.

Bexhill’s Curzon Cinema, which campaigners hope to raise money to buy after gaining asset of community value status, was also in the top ten at risk in England and Wales.

Theatres at Risk adviser Mark Price said: “The Hippodrome is on the list because of its architectural merit. It’s one of the most important theatres in the country.”

Trustee of the Theatre’s Trust, Gavin Henderson, said the venue of the future was described as a 1,500 capacity in-the-round theatre and circus type space with orchestra pit, fly tower and gallery at an International Society for Performing Arts summit in Colombia.

Mr Henderson said: “I said it exists, it’s the Brighton Hippodrome and they were all amazed that this space could be ignored for so long.”

Mrs Samuel said: “The Hippodrome is a very unique form of theatre. Theatre venues are having to create these spaces so companies like Cirque Du Soleil can come to London and across the country.Perhaps what people in Brighton and Hove haven’t realised is the growth in interest in large musicals and the potential for audience and tourist development which could put Brighton even more on the cultural map.”

Brighton Hippodrome founder David Fisher said: “It shows that it is nationally and internationally important and is a theatre that is worth preserving.”