Now known as a presenting house, Theatre Royal Brighton has, for the past three years, also been producing its own work to great acclaim.

Theatre Royal Brighton Productions launched in February 2004 with The Holy Terror, starring Simon Callow.

Since then, the theatre has produced five further shows which have enjoyed great success. Well-received panto Jack and the Beanstalk starring Twiggy; Sweeney Todd starring Jason Donovan; David Bedella in The Rocky Horror Show; Rik Mayall's The New Statesman; and, most recently, the Christmas show Aladdin with Chico and Toyah Willcox.

As Theatre Royal Brighton Chief Executive Julien Boast says: "It's only relatively recently that we've been working as a producing house but it's a fantastic place to make work.

"Creative people love working in this theatre and in this city. I love the fact that work of this calibre can be seen in Brighton before it's seen anywhere else.

"It's something in which the city can take real pride."

As well as the official Theatre Royal Brighton Productions, Julien is keen that the theatre plays a more informal, mentoring role to a number of smaller companies such as the well-renowned Spymonkey.

"I want it to be known within the arts community that there's a lot of expertise within this building and if someone wants a bit of help - whether it's advice with a contract or just general guidance - they can come to us.

"It's a good use of the building, to help give people a platform, and it's good for us too.

"Besides, if we help people in the beginning, they're more likely to come back to us in five years' time."