First performance at historic venue in 60 years

Brighton Hippodrome first opened as a venue in 1902

A historic entertainment venue in East Sussex is to host its first performance in 60 years.

Chuck Berry was the last artist to perform at Brighton Hippodrome on 22 November 1964 before it closed.

On Friday, an open day, with a performance from singing barber Peter Joannau, will be the last chance to view inside the ornate building before a two-year restoration.

David Streeter, from lobby group Save our Hippodrome, described it as "such a brilliant day".

Mr Streeter, who has been campaigning for 10 years to get the venue reopened, said: "To see performance again at the Hippodrome has been such a long haul, with so many ups and downs."

Brighton Hippodrome was built as an ice rink in 1897 and opened as a theatre in 1902.

The Beatles, Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin all performed there.

Performances stopped in 1964 and it became a bingo hall three years later.

It closed completely in 2006.

The Beatles performed at Brighton Hippodrome three times between 1963 and 1964

Current owner Matsim bought the Hippodrome in 2020, aiming to turn it into a "flexible performance space".

Friday's open day, from 10am to 4pm, is a free event which needs no pre-booking.

Bill Murray, spokesperson for Matsim, said: "It's a milestone event.

"This is the last chance to come inside and admire the venue before the remaining major restoration work begins."

It is hoped that the venue will reopen for performance from May 2026 to coincide with the Brighton Festival.

The seating capacity of the venue has not yet been finalised but it will "run into thousands", a spokesperson said.

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