Visitors will get the chance to take a back stage tour

The Grade II listed Theatre Royal in New Road, Brighton, first opened its doors on Saturday 27 July, 1807.

Hamlet was the first play to be performed, and since then the likes of Lawrence Olivier and John Gielgud have trod the boards.

The re-design of New Road outside the theatre was also completed to coincide with the celebrations.

Historic building

When the Theatre Royal Brighton was constructed it was thought to be one of the finest venues outside of London and seated an audience of up 1,200.

It remained open during both world wars and the depression and in 1959 the Queen made the first of several private visits.

The theatre, which now seats 952 people, was taken over by the Ambassador Theatre Group in 1999.

Visitors are being given the chance to tour of the historic building and take part in a number of activities including workshops and storytelling sessions.

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is also hosting an exhibition of prints, photographs, costumes and stage props to mark the event.