Further details of the reopening of the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool are revealed as it is announced £1m will be invested into the iconic venue. Tony McDonough reports

A deal to secure the reopening of LIverpool’s Epstein Theatre in Hanover Street will see £1m invested into the venue.

In June 2023 it was announced the theatre would close for good after operator Epstein Entertainments said it had been unable to secure financial support from Liverpool City Council.

However, last week the 380-seat venue’s general manager, Anthony Proctor-Williams, confirmed it would welcome back audiences later this year.

On Friday morning further details about the deal to reopen the theatre were released along with information on when it will reopen its doors to the public. In the coming weeks £1m will be invested into the Epstein.

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.

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

Originally opened as Crane’s Music Hall in 1913, the Epstein in Hanover Street was later known as the Neptune Theatre. In 2011 the 380-seat venue was renamed in honour of the former manager of The Beatles, the late Brian Epstein.

A Grade II-listed building, the 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.

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, 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 itself to Theatrical Times, a new partnership between investors Joseph Roe and Anthony M Sheedy. 

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

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 Liverpool city region over the last 20 years, including the Liverpool Empire, Unity Theatre and St Helens Theatre Royal as well as the Epstein.

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 said: “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.

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“The venue has always been a home for great entertainment, and I can guarantee that will continue under Theatrical Times. I’m looking forward to welcoming audiences back through the doors this summer.”

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, added: “This is hugely exciting news for the city and our much-loved cultural sector.

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