A new theatre will open its doors in time for Brighton Festival Fringe.

The Iambic Arts Theatre, a purpose-built, boutique theatre, is nestled above a shop in Gardner Street in Brighton’s North Laine.

The 60-seat theatre has been founded by Emma D’Arcy, whose uncle playwright and producer Philip Burton mentored actor Richard Burton.

It has a direct affiliation with Pentameters Theatre in Hampstead, North London and will present London transfers of new professional plays, as well as classic revivals, music and poetry events, directly to Brighton audiences.

The venue is equipped with a dedicated control room and has a small bar and an outside terrace.

As part of the London to Brighton exchange, events will kick off at the start of the fringe on May 2 with the soulful sounds of Brighton-based singer Janet December, followed by a Brighton premiere of the London sell-out success Is there a Diva in the House? starring the award-winning Jacky Scarvellis.

Two works which were written by Ms D’Arcy, The Glass Bottle and The Child, will also be performed between May 7 and 10.

Ms D'Arcy, said: “One of the most amazing pieces of theatre that has stuck with me was when I was involved in an Oxford student production of Dr Faustus, where Elizabeth Taylor dramatically appeared through smoke on a small stage.

“Her silent presence was awesome. Richard Burton was, of course, the lead.

“I thought then how powerful an intimate theatre can be, with strong actors and dramatic effects and how one day I could well have a theatre of my own.

“I want to offer a space with high quality performances and shows and envisage being involved in all sorts of creative projects, shows and installations.

“This will be a small theatre with a massive heart.”

Leonie Scott-Matthews, artistic director of Pentameters Theatre, said: “It is my intention to produce plays which can perform in both Hampstead and Brighton, thus we have Iambic and Pentameters.”

Tickets for performances at Iambic Arts Theatre during the fringe can be purchased by calling 01273 709709 or visiting www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk.

For more information about the performances and tickets go to www.iambicarts.co.uk.