Epstein Theatre announces closure due to coronavirus shutdown

Liverpool City Council is hoping to find new operators for the Epstein Theatre after its closure was announced today.

A council spokesman said the city council is in negotiation with interested parties to see how the theatre can be brought ‘back to life’ once it is safe to do so.

He added: “Due to the global health pandemic, the venue like other theatres and concert halls will remain closed to the public, and the council will use this time to carry out essential repairs.

“The council is saddened that some staff have lost their jobs as a result of this process. The new operators will be encouraged to re-employ former staff where possible.”

The coronavirus pandemic has been blamed for the closure of the Hanover Street theatre and 14 staff being made redundant. 

The theatre has been in the hands of administrators FRP since December 2017, and continued trading until lockdown in March this year.

Today FRP said uncertainty over when live performances would be allowed to resume had left them with no alternative than to close, although it is hoped The Epstein will be able to re-open eventually under new management.

Lila Thomas, joint administrator and partner at FRP, said:

“Regrettably, the well-documented impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the performing arts sector left us with no option but to close the Epstein Theatre, which resulted in 14 members of staff being made redundant.

“With no foreseeable end to the lockdown restrictions on theatres, and therefore no prospect of being able to generate income through performances, the business was no longer able to meet its obligations when they fell due.

“Support was provided to affected staff through what was a difficult situation and the site has now been returned to Liverpool City Council.”

All tickets purchased from the Epstein Theatre Box Office will be refunded and customers who have bought a ticket via the Epstein Theatre Box Office and have not yet been contacted can email vicky.langton@frpadvisory.com.

Tickets purchased for 2020 shows via other ticket vendors (e.g. Ticketline or Ticket Quarter) are currently in the process of being refunded. Those already bought for 2021 shows from other ticket vendors (e.g. Ticketline or Ticket Quarter) will be refunded if the theatre does not reopen.