While working backstage for opera and ballet companies, and lugging scenery on and off trailers, production director Nick Kidd had an idea: Why not save time, effort and cash and perform the shows in the trailers?

So he did. The result is the Theatre Truck, which is parking up at the Brighton Festival Fringe for the first time this year.

"I used to do a lot of backstage work and a lot of the crew were out of work actors. We used to get very bored moving things from trailers," says Nick.

"We used to have impromptu cabaret nights sometimes inside."

Nick found a suitable truck, drew up the plans and designed the layout himself. It seats 30, with the stage by the drivers' area.

It might not look too plush from the outside, but inside there's oak veneer, wallpaper, carpets, framed pictures and a sloping floor. It is all, says Nick, "quite snazzy".

"It's like a Tardis. We open the back door, the steps fold down and a canopy and fairy lights lead you inside and suddenly you find youself in a mini theatre.

"People think the side comes down and you watch it from the ground, but it all happens inside."

The truck stages six shows during the festival, two of which have been written especially for the event. Four are from outside companies and two are from Theatre Mekata, the company which runs the truck and which Nick is director of.

For people who don't want to see a show, there will be a photography exhibition inside and a graffiti art display from Brighton's RareKind gallery outside.

"The truck gets tagged normally because it is quite a big target, so I thought I'd invite people down to do a professional job," says Nick, who'll be working front of house.

It was the 2004 Edinburgh Festival which provided the setting for the first Theatre Truck outing. It has since trundled along to arts and film festivals around the country.

"We've been building up a portfolio, although it's going to take a while before people really see what it can do and how effective it is," says Nick. "Each week a few more people come on board and a lot of interest is building.

"We're particulary excited about Brighton. The council and special events people have been very helpful much more helpful than some of the other authorities.

And this is an event in Hove. People have said the festival doesn't have enough in Hove, so that's where we are by about five metres.

"If one person says, 'This is ideal for what I want to put on,' then gradually we will build up an annual schedule."

In the future, Nick wants to take the truck around rural areas and schools: "A lot of regional theatres are closing down, so we'll be able to take the truck to places which don't have a theatre or where a trip to the theatre is too expensive.

"We can take it to a small vilage, park it in a pub car park or somewhere and put on a decent show for £6. Normally, it would cost people £6 to even get to the theatre. It makes financial sense and is a lot of fun for the audience.

"We'd love to do schools and put on relevant shows for young people we need an education authority with a bit of imagination to come on board."

Another plan is to get arts council funding. For now Nick and the company bankroll the truck and Nick is responsible for its upkeep with help from resourceful friends.

"We will get funding in the future, I am confident of that," he says. "The arts council will see that we're putting on high-quality shows that are very cost efficient.

"Above all, it's a magical experience for people and some just might be encouraged to go to the theatre again.

"After a week at work, you might think, 'A play that's three hours long I can't take that.' But all our shows are going to be good fun and about 45 minutes long, for people who prefer something a bit lighter."

Nick is something of a theatre veteran.

His first job was a spotlight operator. He then became a stage hand on many West End shows, before moving into stage management. He was company manager and lighting designer for Cheek by Jowl when the company won two Olivier Awards. He was also production manager for companies including British Youth Opera and Music Theatre London and is production director of the New Year's Day Parade, London and the Edinburgh Easter Festival.

"I love theatre I've been involved in it all my life, but a lot of companies shoot themselves in the foot," he says. "I want to encourage people to come back. Hopefully the Brighton Festival will be very succesful and positive for us."

Refreshments and toilets for Theatre Truck audiences will be available from the neighbouring Meeting Place Cafe, and the Art Bar and Grill, opposite, at the Ramada Hotel. There is wheelchair access. Call 01273 709709 or book online at www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk Theatre Truck Productions My Dear Howey
Based on the letters of Georgiana, first Countess Spencer of Althorp, to her friend Mrs Howe. Georgiana's beloved husband, the first Earl, is dying. A poignant love story of loss and recovery, by Colin Wakefield.

Tomorrow to Sun, May 28, 1pm (no show May 15 & 22)

Talking, Talking Heads
Sophie is beginning to regret doing Alan Bennett, especially as the director is a Method man. And no one mentioned leafleting. A play within a play within a parody. The audience is taken through an actor's nightmare, namely being given an Bennett text. By Nick Kidd.

Tomorrow until Sat, May 27. Daily at 7pm, plus 3pm May 13, 20, 21 & 27. No show May 15 & 22.

An Evening Of Random Acts
The return of the acclaimed Random Acts, who bring your stories to life with improvised theatre.

An interactive experience said by The Stage to be "admirably fearless and thought-provoking."

Tomorrow and Sat, May 20 at 9.15pm Fierce: A Grotesque Burlesque
Two vaudeville virgins are ripped from the streets and condemned to perform a cabaret tragedy deconstructing transatlantic relations with only three maple leaves to preserve their modesty.

Thurs to Sun, May 14, 9.15pm.

Container Conversations
Two people, one container, a million conversations. When the tables are turned and imprisonment holds the only key, who will prevail? Can the power of love overcome the love of power? By Heather Rayment. Tues May 23 to Sun May 28, 9.15 pm Exhibitions
- Sea Spray - The Rarekind Gallery grafffiti artists have been invited to do their thing on the Theatre Truck. Eight artists, one canvas.

- The People of Brighton - A collection of photographic hand prints from Jim Gordon Photography, capturing the essence of the Brighton community. More information at www.jimgordonphotography.co.uk