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 statement on the theatre’s Facebook page today revealed: “We have some great news - the iconic Epstein Theatre will reopen in 2025.

 “We can't wait to give you more information. Right now, we’re busy getting the theatre ready to welcome back Liverpool's amazing community of artists and audiences.”

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 leases the Hanover Street site it 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.

It is understood it is a different operator which will reopen the venue later this year.

Refurbishment work is currently being undertaken 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.