The chief executive of the Theatre Royal in Brighton is stepping down, the second key figure to depart this month.

Mark Courtice will leave at the end of the month after a year in the post.

In a statement, owners Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) said he was leaving to pursue other opportunities, including education and production work.

Rosemary Squire, executive director of ATG, said: "In the time he has been with us, Mark has made a good start in implementing a programme of development to transform the Theatre Royal and we are grateful to him."

Chris Haylett, theatre manager at the ATG's head office in Woking, will be acting general manager until further notice.

The Royal's manager, Tim Slater, is leaving tomorrow after 17 years at the historic playhouse.