Brighton Hippodrome restoration: One-off performance

The 127-year-old venue has been undergoing an extensive restoration programme after plans to bring the dilapidated site back into use were approved earlier this year.

It was once home to world-renowned music acts and theatre shows but has not hosted a single performance since November 22, 1964.

But following years of campaigning and investment from property developer Matsim, the site is on track to host live shows once again.

Read more: Fatboy Slim hopes to headline Hippodrome as opening date revealed

Speculation over who might be first to take to the stage at the Hippodrome has been rife in recent years, with supporter and DJ Fatboy Slim regularly featuring at the top of the list.

Inside the Hippodrome during the last open event

But it has now been revealed that the first person to sing inside the venue since rock-and-roller Chuck Berry in the 1960s will be Peter Joannou.

Singing barber Peter cuts hair at his salon just a few doors down in Middle Street during the day and on the last Saturday of each month sings hits from his first-floor window into the evening.

Peter singing from his window

He will perform to an even bigger crowd next Friday at the Hippodrome's open day.

He will sing on the hour between 12 noon and 3pm from the Royal Box inside the auditorium.

A spokeswoman for the Save Our Hippodrome campaign group said: "Just pop in and be enthralled by the marvellous work done so far - it is stunning.

An aerial view of the Hippodrome

"This is the last chance to have a look as the building will be shut for two years for all the works to be carried out."

The Grade II* listed building will house a hotel, bar and members' club in addition to the theatre space.

Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” when approving the works in April.