They have been sat on by famous bottoms, including those of Laurence Olivier, Joan Collins and Lauren Bacall.

Steeped in history, they have witnessed hundreds of performances and almost every actor and actress from the English stage of the last century.

Soon theatregoers will be able to sit on them in their own homes.

For the first time, the Theatre Royal in Brighton is offering a chance to take a seat in history by owning a chair from the stalls.

When the curtain falls on Anything Goes, the last show of the summer season, it will herald the end of an era.

As part of a phase of refurbishment, 150 of the 337 numbered seats will be removed from the auditorium, mounted and sold as limited editions, with a certificate of authenticity from the chief executive.

Throughout the last century, audiences have parked their rears on the theatre's red velvet seats and many people have sat in the same seat year after year.

Others unknowingly sat where countless celebrities, ranging from royalty to stars of stage and screen, have been before them.

Stage-door keeper Bill Tinsley, 46, has greeted countless entertainers who often sat in the seats to gauge their own performance.

He said: "The Theatre Royal has a real presence. A vibrant energy can be felt even when the auditorium is empty. The seats are entwined in this aura. They will appeal to anyone who loves the theatre."

The fully-functional seats, some of which date back to the Thirties, will offer a combination of utility and nostalgia.

Theatre Royal chief executive Mark Courtice said: "They fit into quite a small space so they would be ideal for bathrooms or halls. I am actually rather tempted to buy one myself."

Their sale will make way for new seats which will be wider with greater legroom.

There will no longer be a central aisle and the orchestra pit may be covered, meaning the capacity will remain at about 950 seats.

Mr Courtice said: "The seats are being replaced so we can provide 21st Century comfort for customers while retaining the elegance and style of the magnificent building."

Seats will be sold for £125 to the public and £120 to Friends of the Theatre Royal, on a first-come, first-served basis, from Saturday, when the theatre will close for refurbishment for three weeks.

To order your limited edition seat, call the Theatre Royal box office on 01273 328488.