Pictured: Backstage revealed at Brighton Hippodrome

The fly tower, substage and backstage have all been photographed by a member of the Save Brighton Hippodrome group.

Looking back towards the auditorium (Image: David Streeter)

Photographer David Streeter said he was "awe inspired" when he was taken behind the proscenium at the Brighton Hippodrome, which is currently undergoing renovation works following a state of disrepair.

A group of campaigners from the group Save Brighton Hippodrome were invited to the building in Middle Street by developer Matsim, which is leading the redevelopment of the venue, which once hosted huge stars including The Beatles.

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David said: "This was the most expansive tour we've ever been on.

"Without being there, it's difficult to quite appreciate the scale of it. When you walk past, you only ever see the front - but it spans two streets and it's quite high.

"It literally is a hidden gem, that will soon be revealed to the public." 

The repainted skylight (Image: David Streeter)

The pictures show the old lighting control room, skylights, and substage in the Grade II* listed building.

The redevelopment work will see the former theatre transformed, repainted and made safe again.

David said: "It's quite painstaking work, they're renovating the ceiling, repainting and rebuilding some parts.

"But when it is done, it will be the jewel in the crown for Brighton."

It is hoped that the building will become a mixed-use space for live music, performance, along with restaurants and bars after the redevelopment.

The fly tower and grid (Image: David Streeter)

The fly tower, once used to hoist lighting and set above the stage, is proposed to be converted into a rehearsal space for performers.

This is an amendment from the flexible office space initially suggested.

The old elephant enclosure (Image: David Streeter)

The Hippodrome closed in 2007 after over 100 years as a circus, ice skating rink and bingo hall among other uses.

David added: It's been through various incarnations, and has proved itself over time to be a very adaptable space.

"And it's adapting itself to modern requirements now.

"When it reopens, we might see snooker or boxing, or even Strictly Come Dancing on it.

"A lot of Brighton people have been supportive, and one of the local celebrities who's been giving us support throughout is Fatboy Slim. He'd be at the top of our list to be at one of the first events."

The old lighting control panel, a Strand Grand Master switchboard (Image: David Streeter)

Simon Lambor, director of Matsim Properties said: "It’s been great to meet the Save Our Hippodrome members again to update them on the repairs and plans whilst also hearing some stories of their crusade to save the building.

"It’s lovely to see how a group of individuals become great friends around the love for this building.

"It shows how special the building is, that even through its desperate derelict years, it has still had a magnetic draw for people from all walks of life.

"We can’t wait for it to be open again and buzzing with life and laughter. We’re very proud and privileged to be playing a role at this pivotal stage of the building's history."