Brighton and Hove is known for its leisure facilities as “London by the Sea”, but whereas the theatres of London contribute greatly to its attractiveness, Brighton has so little to show in this respect.

Of the many theatres in its history, the only one remaining today is Theatre Royal Brighton – very beautiful but rather small and not able to host large productions.

Or should I say it’s the only one remaining active? There is The Hippodrome, with its magnificent, irreplaceable Frank Matcham auditorium, currently under threat from redevelopment (The Argus, October 9).

English Heritage has placed the building on its “at risk” register. Plans have been drawn up to turn it into an eight-screen cinema.

This venue should be cherished. It is the only theatre capable of housing large-scale productions following the loss of the Imperial some years ago.

Ken Sutcliffe, Guildford, Surrey

When I was younger I used to finish my factory work, go home for dinner in the evening and then go with my friends to The Hippodrome in Brighton every Friday night to see the famous stars and their acts. We were all happy going there.

But now it has been closed for such a long time, I miss it very much. We have many things for the youngsters these days but not as much for the elderly. The Hippodrome needs to make a comeback.

This is what we need – more entertainment for everyone. Let’s hope something is done soon. Everyone would love it – it was magical.

Mary Frankel, Station Road, Portslade

I was dismayed to hear that the Brighton Hippodrome is under threat.

Accept this letter as my plea to retain the Hippodrome building for the future.

Irene Starkie, The Frank Matcham Association

It was interesting to read that efforts are being made to reopen The Hippodrome.

In the years before the Second World War, my parents took me many times to variety shows there. Even today I remember some of the great acts I saw: the Great Dante, the magician who made an elephant disappear, the dancers Wilson, Kepple and Betty, Max Miller and many more.

Never did I dream that one day I would be appearing on that stage in musicals, after the war, and looking up to the circle where we sat. I played Ciccio in The Most Happy Fella (in 1963) with The Brighton and Hove Operatic Society at this venue.

I spent many years in Brighton appearing with the society performing there and at Theatre Royal Brighton, Essoldo, the Dome and the two piers.

At the age of 85 I am still involved with theatre, with the Worthing Musical Comedy Society, spending more than 50 years with them. I’m now active helping behind the scenes or as a stand-in.

As a plug, their next production of Half A Sixpence opens at the Connaught Theatre in Worthing on November 5.

Ernie Barnes, Fircroft Avenue, Lancing