A theatre over a city pub is to change hands. Paul Stones and Ros Barber have been running the Marlborough Theatre, in Princes Street, Brighton, for two years.

But with four children, they are finding it increasingly hard to fit the work round family and other career commitments.

The pair have decided to hand over the reins to Nicola Haydn and Eden Rivers.

Paul said: "We have managed to at least double the business coming in since we took over. Sometimes it's busy six or seven nights a week.

"I think the theatre has a unique place in Brighton and Hove. It's partly the design and decor - it has this wonderful faded glamour - but it's also the fact that it's a really affordable venue for professional artists to put on their work."

The Marlborough pub has been running an upstairs theatre since being refurbished in the Seventies.

Nicola and Eden hope to continue the tradition of providing a space for artists on a budget and to encourage new talent.

Nicola said: "I think there's a gap in the market for plays with small casts doing new writing.

"I would like to get people coming along who would never usually come to the theatre."

The first play performed under the new management will be a one-man show called Pounding Nails Into The Floor With My Forehead which is on for one night only on Friday, September 16.

For more information go to www.marlboroughtheatre.org or call 01273 775648.