Theatre Royal Brighton Celebrates 200th Birthday

2007 marks the 200th birthday of one of Brighton’s most historic and respected institutions, the Theatre Royal. A year-long series of world premieres, new productions, special events, parties and open days have been organised to celebrate the anniversary of this beautiful Grade II listed building, the highlight of which will be a vibrant birthday street party.

The party will take the city by storm on 27th June 2007, the official birthday of the Theatre Royal, and VisitBrighton is delighted to bring you details of all the events as well as ideas for how to get the most from a visit to one of the UK’s most cultural and free-thinking cities.

The Theatre Royal has been putting on shows, starring leading actors such as Ingrid Bergman, Marlene Dietrich and Richard Burton, since it opened its doors in 1807. Having flourished under the management of actor Henry John Nye Chart in the 19th century, the Theatre Royal went on to survive the impact of two World Wars and the depression of the 1930s.

An air of glamour and prosperity was maintained throughout the fifties and in 1959 the Queen made the first of several private visits to the theatre, continuing the strong tradition of Royal visits. Today the venue maintains its position as one of the most favoured pre West End dates and one of the oldest working theatres in the country.

The most important date in the year-long extravaganza will be the venue's official birthday on 27th June 2007 and to mark the occasion a summer street party will take over New Road. The party is supported by Brighton & Hove City Council and is open to all, free of charge. The frivolities will commence at 14.00

The street party will be followed by an oral history project called 200 stories for 200 years - organised by The Argus newspaper and BBC Southern Counties Radio. The project will encourage residents from around the city to share their memories about this beloved Brighton institution.

Other highlights of the anniversary programme include the High Society Party Night on 20th June from 18.30 (tickets prices £18-£26) a themed evening with bar promotions and fancy dress followed by a show at 19.45; the Theatre Royal Brighton Productions Open Day on 7th July from 10.00 – 13.00 (free entry), an exclusive open day giving a fascinating insight into how Theatre Royal Brighton Productions, such as The New Statesman and Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show, are produced for the West End; plus a Children's Tea Party on 11th August from 14.30 (free entry), a special event giving youngsters the chance to meet the stars, backstage staff and creative teams and also enjoy an enchanting Big Brighton Storybook storytelling session.

The birthday festivities will culminate in November 2007 with a West-end Gala Night at this esteemed venue.

To make the most of your trip to the theatre go to VisitBrighton.com where you be able to find the best places to stay, where to eat and what’s on. The website also contains some unbeatable deals on accommodation and meals. For details of special offers go to VisitBrighton.com/offers.

For further details about the Theatre Royal birthday celebrations keep checking VisitBrighton.com where information on all the major events taking place will be available in due course.

Tickets for all paid for events can be booked in person at the Theatre Royal Brighton box office open Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm (6pm close on non-performance days).