Mark Gillard has been technical manager for the theatre for nearly five years and while the building's age makes his job more of a challenge, it also makes it more special.

The 37-year-old, of Caburn Crescent, Lewes, said: "There's a buzz in the building as soon as you walk through the door. It is like stepping back in time. It is a 200-year-old building, which we have to make work in the 21st century which can cause all sorts of problems, but I really enjoy the challenge.

"Its intimacy is a real pull for audiences and the acoustics were designed before sound systems existed which means they are really good."

Mr Gillard met so many well-known actors every week he became blasé about mixing with the rich and famous. But when a certain former Dynasty star came to town and went out clubbing with him and other technical staff he found himself feeling a little bashful.

He said: "Working in this industry you can't get starstruck and I normally don't bat an eyelid when I meet people. It was different when I met Joan Collins. I watched Dynasty as a kid and she is like a Hollywood movie star to me. She was really lovely."