Historical city centre theatre's latest renaissance

Epstein Theatre opened as a performance space in 1913

A historical city centre theatre is reopening almost two years after it was forced to close its doors.

The Grade II listed Epstein Theatre on Hanover Street in Liverpool shut in 2023 after the city council said it could no longer provide it with financial support.

The Theatres Trust, a charity that campaigns to protect UK theatres, added the site to its "at-risk register" in a bid to save what it described as a "unique and beloved" venue, which opened as a performance space in 1913.

So how has Epstein Theatre managed to reopen and what can audiences expect?

What led to its closure?

The Grade II listed theatre opened as a performance space in 1913

The Epstein started out as the Crane Concert Hall, situated above the Crane brothers' music emporium.

It was renamed the Crane Theatre in 1938, but after a takeover and refurbishment in 1967 it reopened as Neptune Theatre in 1968.

The venue was closed in 2005 due to health and safety concerns before reopening in 2011 following a £1.2m upgrade under its current name which honours the late Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

The theatre was left under "unbearable" financial pressure by former assistant manager Kelvin Lloyd who stole £273,000 from it between April 2016 and December 2017. He was jailed in 2019 after admitting the theft which pushed the theatre into administration.

Epstein Entertainments Ltd was awarded the contract to operate the theatre on behalf of the city council in 2018.

But five years later the theatre was forced to close when the city council cut its funding.

Who is behind the reopening?

While the city council retains the venue's freehold, JSM Company Group Ltd - a property management group with a leisure portfolio in Liverpool - has become the new leaseholder and is responsible for Hanover House, the building which contains the Epstein.

JSM Company Group Ltd has leased the Epstein Theatre itself to Theatrical Times Ltd, a new partnership between investors Joseph Roe and Anthony M. Sheedy.

Mr Roe has a history of building developments while Mr Sheedy is a former operator of the Limerick Theatre Royal and a producer/stage manager and performer of the renowned Castle Entertainers at Bunratty and Knappogue Castles in Ireland.

Will it be the same?

About £1m is being invested in the venue which includes refitting the stage with new lighting, stage cloths and sound, and improving the backstage areas and remodelling the theatre's bar.

JSM Company Group is also seeking planning permission for further works within the building, including the development of a 15-bed aparthotel.

While the building is undergoing a revamp, Epstein will have a familiar figure at the helm with Anthony Proctor returning as the general manager.

He said he was "absolutely thrilled" to return to the Epstein and to bring the historical theatre "back to life".

"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," he said.

'A new chapter'

Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, councillor Harry Doyle said it was "hugely exciting news" the "iconic venue" was reopening.

"Anthony is the perfect person to breathe new life into this gem – his passion, ambition and vision signifies a new chapter for the theatre, and I look forward to seeing its renaissance and working with the team to help promote this cultural asset."

Joshua McTaggart, the chief executive of Theatres Trust, said it was also delighted at the news.

Following its closure in 2023, the trust added the venue to its Theatres at Risk Register and said it had been "working since then to help find a way forward for this unique and beloved venue".

He added: "We continue to work with Theatrical Times Ltd to ensure a bright and stable future for this glorious venue on its return to entertaining the people of Liverpool."

What events can theatre-goers expect?

Test events are being held kicking off with Dancing in the Aisles cabaret show on Sunday ahead of launching a full autumn programme of shows on 19 September, to mark the birthday of Brian Epstein.

Hosted by actor and comedian Lindzi Germain the line-up includes musician and playwright Asa Murphy - who was the last person to perform on the Epstein stage before it shut in 2023 - and comedian and actress Crissy Rock, star of ITV's Benidorm.

Other events include Beating Berlusconi!, a one-man comedy show on 24 May celebrating the 20th anniversary of Liverpool's historic Champions League win in Istanbul, inspired by a real-life encounter inside the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in 2005.

Laughterhouse Comedy on 31 May features award-winning acts including Paul Sinha (The Chase), Tom Stade (Live at the Apollo) and Scott Bennett (Royal Variety Performance).

Something About Lennon - The John Lennon Story is also coming to the theatre on 6 July.

Mr Proctor said: "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."

He added: "The venue has always been a home for great entertainment, and I can guarantee that will continue under Theatrical Times Ltd."