The saga of Brighton & Hove Albion unfolds dramatically, tracing back to July 1995 when Ian Hart, a funeral director and co-editor of the fanzine Gull’s Eye, received shocking news from Gordon Lucking, a director at Crystal Palace. Lucking revealed that Brighton had sold their historic Goldstone Ground and planned to relocate to Portsmouth. Hart, stunned by the news, confronted David Bellotti, Brighton’s chief executive, at his office, prompting a significant confrontation.

This incident marked the beginning of a turbulent era for the club, which will be explored in the new play Stand or Fall, written by fan Mark Brailsford. The production celebrates Brighton’s 125th anniversary and recounts the supporters' struggle during their exile from the Goldstone Ground, through their time in Gillingham and at Withdean Stadium before finally settling at the Amex Stadium.

Hart, now a producer for the play, reflects on the diverse group of fans who united in protest against the club's management, stating, "We were all thrown together... from all walks of life."

Key moments during this tumultuous period included:

• April 1996: 600 fans stormed the pitch at the Goldstone Ground, demanding Bellotti's resignation.
• A historic protest against York City, where fans invaded the pitch in the 16th minute, leading to the game’s abandonment.

Despite their struggles, including a near relegation from the Football League, Brighton eventually found stability under local businessman Dick Knight and later Tony Bloom. This shift led to their promotion to the Premier League in 2017 and a promising future, highlighted by reaching the last 16 of the Europa League in 2024.

Hart emphasizes that the club's journey encapsulates both triumph and tragedy, stating, "You can’t really celebrate the highs unless you have the lows. It makes the whole story even more incredible." The play and accompanying exhibition at the Brighton Museum aim to honor this remarkable history.