Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre will hold its first test event this month ahead of officially reopening its doors for a full autumn season of entertainment.

‘Dancing in the Aisles’, being staged on Easter Sunday, 20 April, will be the first production since the much-loved Hanover Street venue closed its doors in June 2023.

The afternoon cabaret show will be a recurring slot at the Epstein, with the first show being hosted by popular Liverpool actor and comedian Lindzi Germain and the line-up will include singer-songwriter, musician and playwright Asa Murphy, scouse stage and screen star Crissy Rock, LiverBird Victoria Jones and talented vocal trio The Livertones.

Further events will take place over the next few months, including visits by cult stage comedy ‘Beating Berlusconi!’, Laughterhouse Comedy and an extra Liverpool date for the new touring stage show ‘Something About Lennon – The John Lennon Story’.

A full autumn schedule will be launched with a special Gala Night on Friday, 19 September – Brian Epstein’s birthday – which will feature local acts and celebrities.

The Epstein has also announced a partnership with LMA, which will see the Liverpool performing arts and creative media institution take over the auditorium from 6-23 and 27-30 May to present its degree shows in acting and musical theatre.

The Grade II-listed landmark has new leaseholders and a new management team, which promises a busy programme of entertainment. Ahead of its formal reopening, £1 million is being invested in the venue for extensive refurbishment, including refitting the stage with new lighting, stage cloths, and sound, as well as improving the backstage areas.

The theatre is encouraging people to join the Epstein mailing list via the website www.epsteintheatre.com to be the first to hear about future shows.

Anthony Proctor, Epstein Theatre general manager, says: “We’ve had an overwhelming response since the news broke that the Epstein Theatre was reopening its doors – it’s obvious the venue is much-loved in the city and has been much-missed by both audiences and performers since it was forced to close its doors.

“I’m very pleased we’re now able to announce our first test event in the auditorium. Dancing in the Aisles is the perfect Easter Sunday afternoon treat, and we’ve got a great line-up of Liverpool talent to entertain our first audience in almost two years. The show is aimed at audiences aged 16 and up, and tickets are already selling fast.

“It will be followed by some more great shows over the spring and summer. I’m delighted we’re going to be joined by Beating Berlusconi! and Laughterhouse Comedy in May, and I can’t wait for the Epstein to be the final date on the Something About Lennon tour in July.

“I’m also thrilled such a prestigious education provider as LMA has chosen to return to the theatre to present its end of term productions. The Epstein has a long history of nurturing talent and stars of the future, both on stage and through the music and dance teachers that worked in the building over almost a century.”

Simon Wallace, co-founder of LMA, adds: “The LMA students and staff are so excited to be hosting our end of year shows at the amazing Epstein Theatre. It’s brilliant to see the theatre open again; it’s exactly what the city needs, and it’s in a safe pair of hands with the team running it.”

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