In June 2023 it was announced the Epstein Theatre was closing for good but now the Liverpool venue is celebrating a ticket sales landmark three months after its reopening. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool’s once Epstein Theatre is “smashing” its sales targets just three months after announcing it was to reopen.

In June 2023 the Hanover Street venue announced it was closing for good. But earlier this year it was announced the theatre was to reopen. New investors pledged to spend £1m and their faith has been repaid by theatregoers.

In the first three months the Epstein has sold more than 5,000 tickets and generated £100,000 in revenues. Targets have been exceeded for every show on sale so far including the monthly Dancing in the Aisles, which offers three hours of entertainment.

And, due to strong demand, an extra performance has had to be added for Something About Lennon, fronted by West End star Daniel Taylor. This show finishes its UK tour at the Epstein on Sunday, July 6. Both matinee and evening shows are expected to sell out.

Exactly two years ago the outlook for the Grade II-listed venue, which started life in 1915 as the Crane Concert Hall, looked bleak. Operator Epstein Entertainments said it had been unable to secure financial support from Liverpool City Council.

However, a breakthrough earlier this year saw a transfer of the head lease from the former leaseholders to JSM Company Group, which holds a portfolio of properties in Liverpool and is now responsible for Hanover House, the theatre’s home. Liverpool City Council retains the freehold.

JSM has leased the Epstein Theatre to Theatrical Times, a partnership between investors Joseph Roe and Anthony M Sheedy. Anthony Proctor, who was Epstein’s theatre manager and programmer from 2022-23, has returned as general manager and theatre director.

He said: “Reaching £100,000 in ticket sales in 14 weeks is phenomenal. And we’ve smashed targets across the board.

“To have hit this landmark turnover so quickly is a real sign that the future is bright for the Epstein. It shows how much the venue is needed in Liverpool and the demand that’s there from theatregoers who are desperate to see fantastic shows.”

Looking forward to the autumn, tickets are also going fast for a host of shows including the world premiere of Liverpool playwright Ian Salmon’s new Beatles’ musical Shake It Up Baby! starring Andrew Schofield, and the Epstein’s Christmas pantomime Cinderella.

The theatre is offering a busy summer of music, comedy and drama before it launches its full autumn schedule with a special Gala Night on Friday, September 19 – legendary Beatles manager Brian Epstein’s birthday – featuring local acts and celebrities.

New investment has seen an extensive refurbishment including refitting the stage with new lighting, stage cloths and sound, and improving the backstage areas.

The theatre’s bar has also been remodelled, and a full line-up of music and comedy events in the bar on non-show days due to be announced.

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. 

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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.

Anthony added: “I’m very proud of the programme of live music, comedy and drama we’ve developed for the theatre’s opening season, including the return of some Liverpool favourites and of course the world premiere of a new Beatles musical.

“I’d urge theatre lovers to sign up to the Epstein mailing list to be the first to hear about all the exciting events we have planned.”