Liverpool's Epstein Theatre to reopen its doors

Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre is set to reopen its doors – two years after the much-loved city centre venue was forced to close.

A series of test events will be held over the spring/summer with the Hanover Street venue set to officially reopen with a special gala night on September 19 - the anniversary of Brian Epstein's birth.

Refurbishment work is currently being undertaken as part of a £1million investment in the site, including refitting the stage with new lighting, stage cloths and sound, and improving the backstage areas.

The theatre’s bar has also been remodelled as part of the work.

The Grade II listed Hanover Street theatre, which dates from 1913 when it first opened as Crane’s Music Hall, shut its doors in June 2023 after the city council withdrew its financial support due to budget pressures.

Epstein Entertainments Ltd, which was operating the theatre on behalf of the council which owns the freehold of the building, said it had explored every avenue to keep the theatre running and was “heartbroken” to have to make the decision to close.

The council, which was leasing the Hanover House site to a commercial property landlord, had been leasing back the theatre space along with subsidising a proportion of the venue’s rent, utilities, service charges and maintenance to the tune of around £100,000 a year.

But it decided in 2021 it was 'unsustainable' to continue its current level of support beyond June 2023.

Above: Anthony Proctor returns to the Epstein as general manager and theatre director. Photo by David Munn.

Following its closure, it was added to the Theatres Trust's 'at risk' register.

The head lease of the building has now been transferred to JSM Company Group Ltd, which has in turn leased the Epstein to Theatrical Times Ltd - a partnership between investors Joseph Roe and Anthony M Sheedy - to run.

Anthony Proctor, who was the Epstein's manager and programmer in 2022-23, returns as general manager and theatre director.

He said today: “I know the Epstein holds a very special place in the heart of Liverpool audiences as well as generations of artists who have performed in its stunning auditorium, and I can’t wait to reveal the first new season and officially launch it with an amazing gala evening, aptly being held on what would have been Brian Epstein’s birthday.

“The venue has always been a home for great entertainment, and I can guarantee that will continue under Theatrical Times Ltd. I’m looking forward to welcoming audiences back through the doors this summer.”