A theatre where dozens of top stars began their careers is celebrating its 70th anniversary after staving off many closure threats.

David Smith, administrator of the Connaught Theatre in Worthing, said the future now looked bright for the historic Union Place venue.

Two top touring plays were visiting this autumn and plans were well advanced for a rarely-produced pantomime.

Mr Smith said: "We can look forward to the future of drama at the venue with renewed confidence."

The Connaught was founded in 1935 by Bill Fraser and Charles Bell but over the years has been closed and reopened at least three times.

In 1986 two brothers, Roy and Michael Wilson, gained worldwide publicity for the venue by going on a prolonged hunger strike after the theatre closed.

It helped force the borough council to save the Connaught - but last year the threat of closure loomed again, sparking demonstrations outside the theatre.

Mr Smith believed the danger had now passed and he was looking forward to welcoming two plays - Gaslight and The Woman In Black - this autumn.

He said: "Both in terms of audience support and availability of excellent productions, the immediate future of the Connaught looks to be very bright in spite of recent uncertainty about Worthing's venues in general."

Among those who look to the Connaught as the start of their careers is Glenda Jackson, who first appeared on stage there in 1957.

She said: "The Connaught has a very special place in my heart."

Other famous names who went on from the Connaught to fame and fortune include playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn, Patricia Routledge, Sir Ian Holm and Harold Pinter.

The venue has also been graced by Susannah York, Diana Dors, Christopher Lee, June Whitfield, David Suchet, Roger Moore, Frankie Howerd and Beryl Reid.

In 1970 Susan Penhaligon caused a storm by appearing naked for a fleeting moment in Romeo And Juliet. After an outcry, she agreed to wear a nightie during matinee performances.

In 1958 Sir Winston Churchill visited to watch his actress daughter, Sarah, perform in Variations On A Theme.

This Christmas, following record-breaking audience figures for last year's panto, Puss In Boots is being produced at the theatre.

Mr Smith said it was the theatre's most ambitious panto, starring EastEnders stars Leila Birch and Billy Boyle.