Singing for the Queen was Carleen's most memorable moment

Joined by young musicians from Brighton and Hove Music and Performing Arts she sang Deep River from Child of Our Time and I Heard It Through the Grapevine to a packed auditorium.

She said: "It is the history of the place which grabbed me and the thought of all the famous people who have been on stage in the theatre before me.

"I remember feeling overwhelmed and in awe of the history I was standing in.

"I was really nervous when I was singing for the Queen but because the theatre has been around for as long as it has you can feel the anxieties and the energy of the people who have also performed there in the halls and the dressing rooms.

"You do not feel like you are alone. The energy of all of those spirits, all the creativity behind the scenes and on the stage has got to make its mark over 200 years."

Historian Dr Sue Berry was so fascinated by the historic theatre she wrote a book, Georgian Brighton, about its past.

She said: "The theatre has been such an important part of the town since the mid 18th century. It started off as a barn at the bottom of North Street then moved on to bigger venues until it became the Theatre Royal Brighton.

"It has lasted so well because it has always run good and original programmes in such a fabulous central location. It has also always had lots of personality and is a lovely blend of different historic periods which gives you a huge sense of times passed."

Simon Burgess, former leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "I have been taking my kids along to the pantomime for a number of years and it always has a special feel to it.

"It really has a Brighton vibe and it always is that little bit different whilst still being good for the family.

"You can feel the history there and all of the years - it is a cornerstone of theatre life in the city.

"It started to feel a little bit tired five years ago but it's really drawing in people from outside the city now which is great."

Sue John, former deputy leader of the city council, said: "I saw a production two years ago which was performed entirely in the dark.

"That was very different and very powerful because it showed that drama could come across without anything visual.

"It was very memorable and, like the site specific theatre, the Theatre Royal Brighton fits in with the arts scene in Brighton and Hove which is testing out new ground.

"The theatre has great historic value as well."

Bill Randall, a freelance journalist, is a Friend of Theatre Royal Brighton.

Brighton and Hove City Councillor for Hanover and Elm Grove since 2003, Coun Randall is Brighton and Hove Green Party's spokesman on housing, culture and tourism.

He said: "An intoxicating mixture of magic, history and expectation washes over me whenever I walk into the Theatre Royal Brighton. It is everything a theatre should be - an enveloping, friendly and slightly raffish cocktail of red and gilt.

"I have seen many memorable performances on its stage, from Con O'Neill in the recent production of the Caretaker to Anthony Sher in Macbeth.

"I have been reduced to tears by a moving Russian language version of The Winter's Tale and by Christopher Biggins in Mother Goose.

"The love of the Theatre Royal Brighton runs through my family. Last Christmas three generations of Randalls, aged three to 63, fell under Aladdin's spell, and I like to think three-year old Katie will take her grandchildren to a panto in the old lady's 250th year."

Elsa Gillio is the co-ordinator for The Argus Appeal and said the charity, which has helped countless local causes over its 50 years, enjoys a particularly strong relationship with the Theatre Royal Brighton and one that is very special.

She said: "My memories of the Theatre Royal Brighton involve pantos, pantos and more pantos.

"The Argus Appeal has benefited from thousands of pounds over many, many years with our bucket collections after every show throughout panto season.

"The tradition has been carried through from the previous owners the Land family to the Ambassadors today.

"One year I particularly remember an adult panto was performed at the theatre starring Christopher Biggins and the other stars.

"The tickets didn't go on general sale as they all sold out beforehand.

"It was very risque and a lot of it was adlibbed but it was one of the best shows and it raised thousands of pounds which went to the Sussex Beacon and The Argus Appeal.

"Regardless of who owns the theatre the relationship has remained very very strong and their staff are a credit to The Argus Appeal.

"We are very fortunate to have the expertise of their technicians when we organise outside events such as the Christmas grotto and Santa's bus. The guys do all of the lights and we couldn't do it without them.

"Particular thanks need to go to the chief executive Julien Boast and all of his team for all their support. Our relationship with the Theatre Royal Brighton is as traditional as a panto at Christmas."

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