Epstein Theatre announces first test events ahead of it’s reopening

Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre will hold its first test event this month ahead of officially reopening its doors for a full autumn season of entertainment.

Dancing in the Aisles, being staged on Easter Sunday, 20 April, will be the first production since the much-loved Hanover Street venue closed its doors in June 2023.

The afternoon cabaret show will be a recurring slot at the Epstein, with the first show being hosted by popular Liverpool actor and comedian Lindzi Germain and the line-up will include singer-songwriter, musician and playwright Asa Murphy, Scouse stage and screen star Crissy Rock, LiverBird Victoria Jones and talented vocal trio The Livertones.

Further events will take place over the next few months, including visits by cult stage comedy Beating Berlusconi!, Laughterhouse Comedy and an extra Liverpool date for the new touring stage show Something About Lennon – The John Lennon Story.

Beating Berlusconi! will be staged at the theatre on Saturday, 24 May.

The hilarious smash hit comedy, stars Paul Duckworth, is celebrating the 20^th anniversary of Liverpool’s historic Champions League win in Istanbul and was inspired by a real-life encounter inside the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in May 2005.

Laughterhouse Comedy brings big giggles to the Epstein on Saturday, 31 May promising a line-up of award-winning acts including Paul Sinha (The Chase), Tom Stade (Live at the Apollo) and Scott Bennett (Royal Variety Performance), Laughterhouse Comedy will also be a regular monthly show at the Epstein, with more big names to follow.

Meanwhile Something About Lennon, which comes from Liverpool’s Something About Productions, will mark the end of its inaugural nationwide tour with a special date at the Epstein Theatre on Sunday, 6 July.

The production features a five-strong band, led by West End performer and musician Daniel Taylor, and tells the fascinating story of the late Beatle legend, underscored by some of his best-known, best-loved hits.

The Epstein is also proud to announce a major partnership with leading Liverpool performing arts and creative media institution LMA which will take over the auditorium from 6-23 and 27-30 May to present its degree shows in Acting and Musical Theatre.

Students will perform their end of year assessments in a professional theatre, under professional conditions and working with the Epstein’s team of technicians and event managers.

A full autumn schedule will be launched with a special Gala Night on Friday, 19 September – Brian Epstein’s birthday – which will feature local acts and celebrities.

The Grade II listed landmark has new leaseholders and a new management team which is 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.

Ahead of its formal reopening, £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 has also been remodelled as part of the work.

The Epstein started life in 1915 as the Crane Concert Hall, situated above the Crane brothers’ music emporium in Hanover Street.

The venue was renamed the Crane Theatre in 1938, and in 1967 the lease was taken over by 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 £1.2 million upgrade, it gained its current name – the Epstein Theatre – in honour of the late Brian Epstein.

Epstein Theatre General Manager Anthony Proctor said:

“We’ve had an overwhelming response since the news broke that the Epstein Theatre was reopening its doors – it’s obvious the venue is much-loved in the city and has been much-missed by both audiences and performers since it was forced to close its doors.

“I’m very pleased we’re now able to announce our first test event in the auditorium. Dancing in the Aisles is the perfect Easter Sunday afternoon treat, and we’ve got a great line-up of Liverpool talent to entertain our first audience in almost two years. The show is aimed at audiences aged 16 and up, and tickets are already selling fast.

“It will be followed by some more great shows over the spring and summer. I’m delighted we’re going to be joined by Beating Berlusconi! and Laughterhouse Comedy in May, and I can’t wait for the Epstein to be the final date on the Something About Lennon tour in July.

“I’m also thrilled such a prestigious education provider as LMA has chosen to return to the theatre to present its end of term productions. The Epstein has a long history of nurturing talent and stars of the future, both on stage and through the music and dance teachers that worked in the building over almost a century.”

LMA Co-Founder Simon Wallace added: 

“The LMA students and staff are so excited to be hosting our end of year shows at the amazing Epstein Theatre. It’s brilliant to see the theatre open again; it’s exactly what the city needs, and it’s in a safe pair of hands with the team running it.”

For more details visit the Epstein Theatre website.

Find more theatre events across Liverpool on our calendar.