Liverpool’s much-loved Epstein Theatre is set to reopen later this year after a deal was agreed to breathe new life into the historic city centre venue.

The Grade II-listed theatre closed its doors in June 2023 following a decision by the city council, which owns the building’s freehold, to withdraw financial support which had helped to keep the 112-year-old venue running.

But now the Hanover Street landmark is due to welcome audiences once again, with new leaseholders and a new management team promising a busy programme of entertainment which reflects the theatre’s century-long role as the home of local talent, national touring productions, music, comedy and pantomime.

Test events are set to take place over the spring and summer, with a full autumn programme of shows being launched including a special gala night on Friday, 19 September – Brian Epstein’s birthday – which will feature local acts and celebrities.

Ahead of that, £1 million is being invested in the venue with extensive refurbishment works including refitting the stage with new lighting, stage cloths and sound, and improving the backstage areas. The theatre’s bar is also being remodelled as part of the work.

The Epstein started life in 1913 as the Crane Music Hall, situated above the Crane brothers’ music emporium in Hanover Street.

The venue was renamed the Crane Theatre in 1938, and in 1967 the building came into the possession of the then Liverpool Corporation. Following refurbishment of the auditorium, including the stage, it reopened the following year as the Neptune Theatre.

A long-time favourite of local amateur drama groups along with visiting performers and comedians, the venue was closed in 2005 due to health and safety concerns. When it reopened its doors in 2011, following a £1.2m upgrade, it gained its current name – the Epstein Theatre – in honour of the late Brian Epstein.

During the two years before its closure in 2023, it was run by Epstein Entertainments Ltd.

The theatre has been able to reopen its doors due to a transfer of the head lease from the former leaseholders to JSM Company Group Ltd, which holds a vast portfolio of properties in Liverpool and is now responsible for Hanover House, the building which contains the Epstein.

Liverpool City Council retains the freehold.

Meanwhile 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. Joseph Roe has a history of building developments, and Anthony M. Sheedy 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.

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

He has a wealth of arts experience gained working across many venues in the Liverpool City Region over the last 20 years, including the Liverpool Empire, Unity Theatre and St Helens Theatre Royal as well as the Epstein.

Anthony Proctor – Credit David Munn

Completing the executive team is food and beverage consultant Maureen Bramwell, who has a 40-year history of running popular and successful venues in the city including Smokey Mo’s group.

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.

For programming enquiries, contact programming@epstein.com

Anthony Proctor says: “I’m absolutely thrilled, and really excited, to return to the Epstein and to bring this historic theatre back to life two years after it closed its doors.

“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.”

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, adds: “This is hugely exciting news for the City and our much-loved cultural sector.

“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.

“Here’s to a bright future filled with incredible performances and unforgettable moments at this iconic venue.”

The Epstein Theatre’s new website will be launched soon – www.epsteintheatre.com

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