Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre to hold its first test event

National World - LocalTV

The Grade II listed venue closed in June 2023 after losing council funding.

Transcript

00:00A series of test events are to be held at one of Liverpool's most beloved theatres

00:05as part of a million pound refurbishment to get it back open.

00:08Almost two years ago, the Grade 2 listed at Epstein Theatre on Hanover Street closed its doors

00:14for what many feared would be the final time after Liverpool Council withdrew financial support.

00:20After confirmation that the 112-year-old venue would be reborn later this year,

00:25Anthony Proctor-Williams confirmed he'd be returning as General Manager.

00:28It's about how important this jewel of a theatre is for Liverpool and the Liverpool City region

00:34and all of the audiences and artists that we serve with this fantastic venue.

00:40I'm so happy for them. I'm so happy that this theatre is back open again, or almost back open again.

00:47And the opportunity for the artistic community and for all of those people who want to get involved in the Epstein

00:55is just so exciting.

00:58Despite pulling its funding for the site, Liverpool Council retains the freehold on the theatre

01:03during the two years before its closure in 2023.

01:06It was run by Epstein Entertainment Ltd.

01:09The theatre has been able to reopen its doors due to a transfer of the head lease

01:13from the former leaseholders to JSM Company Group Ltd,

01:17which holds a vast portfolio of properties in Liverpool

01:20and is now responsible for Hanover House, the building which contains the Epstein.

01:26When we closed the theatre down in 2023, I thought it was going to be a very long closure

01:33because there seemed to be no way that the venue could reopen.

01:37I thought it was going to be like between 2005 and 2011.

01:42There'll be a long period where we just walk past this place.

01:46I'm actually, I can't believe that we're back in.

01:49You know, I pinch myself every day.

01:51Test events are set to take place over the spring and summer

01:55with a full autumn programme of shows being launched,

01:58including a special gala night on Friday, 19th of September,

02:01which will feature local acts and celebrities.

02:05Ahead of that, a million pounds is being invested in the venue

02:07with extensive refurbishment works,

02:10including refitting the stage with new lighting and sound,

02:13as well as improving the backstage areas.

02:16Everybody's working flat out to meet that deadline

02:19and to get us back open again.

02:22A couple of weeks ago, the sound team turned on the PA for the first time.

02:28I'm not too proud to say I had a little cry in the back of the auditorium

02:32when I heard the walls reverberate with sound again.

02:36The audience can't wait to get back in.

02:39The first test event is almost sold out.

02:41We've also got Beating Berlusconi on,

02:46which is on the 24th of May.

02:48That's selling really well.

02:49Then our next event after that

02:51is something about Lennon on the 6th of July.

02:56I cannot wait to announce what's coming in the autumn.

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