Their aim is to provide Brighton audiences with an opportunity to see high-quality, professional transfers from London through a collaboration with Pentameters Theatre in Hampstead.

It comes under the artistic direction of founder Emma D'Arcy who is promising London transfers of new professional plays and classic revivals, as well as high-quality music and poetry events.

Emma said: "Iambic Arts Theatre offers a truly-unique bijou theatre experience, comfortably seating 60 and featuring a small bar area where audiences can enjoy drinks and light snacks during a performance and an outside terrace for those wishing to take in the sea air.

"The venue is also equipped with a dedicated control room with two-way audio link to the stage and VDU for optimal monitoring and a fully-professional backstage area for incoming productions and events. For audiences' added enjoyment, the theatre also boasts a high-spec sound and lighting system."

Emma added: "As part of the London-to-Brighton exchange, events kick off on May 2 to the evocative and soulful sounds of Brighton-based singer Janet December, followed by a Brighton Premiere of the London sell-out success Is There A Diva In The House? starring the award-winning Jacky Scarvellis."

The opening line-up will be followed by a billing of plays by the late Robert Calvert, poet, composer and one-time lead singer of rock band Hawkwind (1972-1979).

Other performances will include the London transfers of the film installation Alice in Wonderland between May 19 and 21 from Hampstead troupe Leftovers Creativity Collective (LCC) with pre-show entertainment from Mimots mime characters, and Mirror, Mirror which was written by Calvert in 1979 for his friend Helen Mirren (May 22 and 24).

Emma said: "I want to offer a space with high-quality performances and shows and envisage being involved in all sorts of creative projects, shows and installations. This will be a small theatre with a massive heart."

Pentameters Theatre artistic director Leonie Scott-Matthews said: "I first met Emma at a poetry picnic when she was in her teens.

She performed and wrote prolifically and I introduced her to the late Robert Calvert. They eloped and ran away to Margate to write!"

Tickets for performances at Iambic Arts Theatre during the Brighton Festival Fringe will be available on 01273 709709 or by visiting www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk. Further information about each of the performances and events can also be found by visiting www.iambicarts.co.uk

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