The Brighton Fringe is to hold a London leg of the event for the first time.

A selection of the Fringe’s acts will appear throughout May and June at the capital’s Leicester Square Theatre.

Kata Gyöngyösi, one of the Fringe’s organisers, said: “We are growing each year and as a result we’re reaching a national audience.

“The London shows will represent the diverse range of acts which make the Fringe unique.”

The freshly-named Brighton in the Square event will kick off on May 1 with a performance from jazz group Worsted.

Fringe director Julian Caddy, who The Argus revealed was a body double for James Bond star Daniel Craig, addressed dignitaries at the Fringe’s London launch this week.

The part-time actor walked on to the stage to the 007 theme tune to puzzled looks from the guests.

He said: “It’s a first for the Fringe and obviously a really exciting time for us.

“The Leicester Square Theatre is a real ‘Fringe theatre’ so it was the perfect place for us to hold the shows.

“It will showcase Brighton and will no doubt increase the quality of acts visiting the city in the future.”

Also performing in London will be the much talked about Sadie and the Faded Ladies cabaret act and the sure-fire-hit children’s theatre group Birdy.

The London run will conclude with critically acclaimed dark-comedy theatre production All Fingers and Thumbs.

The run stretches from May 1 to June 10. For tickets for the London shows call the Leicester Square Theatre on 08448733433 or visit www.leicestersquaretheatre.com.