Liverpool's Epstein Theatre goes into administration

The Grade II listed theatre was renamed in memory of Beatles manager Brian Epstein

Liverpool's Epstein Theatre has gone into administration after falling behind on its rent payments.

The 380-seat, Grade II listed theatre opened as Crane's Music Hall in 1913 and was renamed in memory of Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

Administrator FRP Advisory said the venue would continue to trade as normal, retaining all 30 staff, while restructuring takes place.

The Christmas pantomime will go ahead as planned, opening on 8 December.

Liverpool Council owns the freehold to the building, while the lease is owned by Hanover Estate Management.

The theatre is understood to have racked up losses for several years.

Lila Thomas, partner at FRP, said: "All theatre staff are being retained and paid as normal while a solution is finalised, and all existing contracts are being maintained for bookings, to ensure the show will go on for both theatregoers and performers over the coming weeks while a transition to a new holding structure is agreed."

Epstein Theatre

Brian Epstein died in 1967

• Built in 1911 and opened as a concert hall named the Crane Hall above the Crane Brothers' music store in Hanover Street

• Taken over by the council in 1967, the year of Epstein's death

• The theatre reopened in 1968 after being closed for a year for refurbishment and was renamed the Neptune Theatre

• Closed for safety reasons in 2005

• Underwent a £1m refurbishment in 2011, reopening as the Epstein in memory of music entrepreneur and Beatles manager Brian Epstein