One of the top five oldest working theatres in the country, Theatre Royal Brighton has, throughout its history, relied for its income on box office receipts alone, receiving no public subsidy.

Since the Ambassador Theatre Group took over in 1999, nearly £2 million has been spent on essential repair and restoration projects but, inevitably for a building of this age, there is still plenty of work to be done.

On the to-do list is the installation of new seats in the Second Circle and Gallery, the refurbishment of the toilet facilities, the installation of new stage equipment and the launch of a new educational programme.

As part of the birthday celebrations, Theatre Royal Brighton is conducting a fundraising campaign throughout its anniversary year, with specific fundraising events detailed at the start of this guide.

In addition, all tickets, except those for groups and schools, will have a £1 restoration levy added, to be spent exclusively on restoration work at Theatre Royal Brighton.

Finally, the theatre would warmly welcome any donations, with a contribution of £125 giving you the chance to sponsor a seat of your choice in the auditorium, to be personalised with a brass plaque engraved with your own message.

You can make a donation to the fund by calling 01273 764414 or by sending a cheque (payable to Theatre Royal Brighton Ltd) to The Anniversary Appeal, Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1SD