Epstein Theatre to reopen with test events
Epstein TheatreTest events will be held at Liverpool's Epstein Theatre after its reopening has been confirmed.
The Grade II listed venue on Hanover Street, which opened in 1913, was shut in 2023 after Liverpool City Council said it could no longer provide financial support.
They still retain the freehold on the theatre, which has now been leased by property management firm JSM Company Group Ltd to the Theatrical Times Ltd partnership.
Test events will be held over spring and summer ahead of a full autumn programme of shows to be launched on 19 September, which marks the birthday of the late Beatles manager Brian Epstein.
JSM Company Group, which has a vast portfolio of properties in Liverpool, is now responsible for Hanover House, which contains the theatre.
It is seeking planning permission for further works within the building, including the development of a 15-bed aparthotel.
'Cultural asset'
The theatre began life as the Crane Music Hall and following refurbishment of the auditorium in 1967, it reopened as the Neptune Theatre.
The venue was closed in 2005 due to health and safety concerns and reopened following a £1.2m upgrade in 2011, when it was renamed the Epstein Theatre.
Anthony Proctor-Williams recently confirmed he would return as the theatre's general manager and said: "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."
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool Council's cabinet member for culture, said he "looks 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."
Joshua McTaggart, chief executive of Theatres Trust – which is the national advisory public body for theatres - added: "Following its closure in 2023, we added the Grade II listed venue to our Theatres at Risk Register and have been working since then to help find a way forward for this unique and beloved venue."
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.