Argus News Editor Frankie Taggart said: "The Theatre Royal reminds me a lot of the auditorium in the Muppet Show. I last went there to see the peerless Al Murray's Pub Landlord stand-up routine and I half expected Statler and Waldorf to start heckling from the balcony seats."

Brighton and Hove City Councillor Joyce Pidgeon said: "I remember queueing up when we were about 15, and sitting up in 'the gods'. We used to go to pantomimes like Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella. We took the grandchildren. Last year I went to see Agatha Christie there, because I love the books. We are going to another Agatha Christie for my birthday treat."

Brighton and Hove City Councillor Averil Older said: "Several years ago I went to see The Chippendales. I had been to see strippers before so I hid in the middle as only people at the front or on the sides get hauled up on stage.

"Right at the end I was plucked from the crowd by a man dressed all in white just like Richard Gere in 'An Officer and a Gentleman'. I've always loved him in that film. It was pretty raucous on that stage. I was so embarrassed. I can't remember exactly what happened. It's all a blur."

Brighton and Hove City Councillor Denise Cobb said: "I can remember singing there with the school choir at the Christmas carol service.

"I might also have danced and acted there as I did ballet and tap, took elocution lessons and did a bit of acting in my youth, I sadly cannot remember the detail now.

"More recently, I have taken my granddaughter to a couple of productions which we both really enjoyed. I probably only visit once or twice each year but I like the atmosphere of the theatre - not too large, a nice cosy feel."

Pinocchio restaurant co-owner Sue Addis said: "We have had Pinocchio's just along from the theatre for 20 years.

"I remember David Land when he owned the theatre. He was a bit of a cheeky chappy.

"David was very important in the first Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat production.

"Tim Rice and David were having their picture taken in the restaurant.

"Pietro was in the middle standing next to Marti Webb, who was in the cast.

"They were having a photo taken together and David was pinching her bottom all the way through.

"Afterwards she turned to Pietro and told him off."