Liverpool group The Christians are set to headline the event
The iconic Epstein Theatre(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
The Epstein Theatre will celebrate its reopening with a line-up of Liverpool stars. Although the venue has been open since April, it will officially reopen on Friday, September 19 after a £1m refurbishment. Several test events are scheduled ahead of a special gala opening event.
The Christians, Ricky Tomlinson, Andrew Lancel and Joe McGann are among the stars set to appear at the gala event. Ricky will cut a ceremonial ribbon, marking a new start in the 110-year-old venue’s history.
Liverpool group The Christians are set to headline the event which will also see appearances from Liverpool actors Andrew Lancel and Joe McGann, Charlotte Gallagher, Asa Murphy and The Skylarks.
Students from the city’s creative media institution LMA will open the show.
Epstein Theatre general manager Anthony Proctor said: “I’m so excited to reveal the fantastic line-up we have for the Gala Opening which takes place on 19 September – Brian Epstein’s birthday.
Inside the new Epstein Theatre(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
“Although we reopened the Epstein’s doors in April, this is the official relaunch of the theatre, and I’m absolutely delighted Ricky Tomlinson will join us to cut the ribbon.
“With some of the brightest Liverpool stars of stage, screen and music set to appear, the evening should be a truly memorable and very special occasion – and it will definitely have a real party atmosphere.
“I’m very proud of the programme we have created for this opening season at Hanover Street – we’re committed to presenting top quality performers to Liverpool audiences, and the brilliant response of theatregoers to the shows we have staged so far has really bowled us over.”
The Epstein first opened its doors November 1915 as a concert hall situated above the Crane brothers’ music emporium in Hanover Street.
The venue was later renamed the Crane Theatre in 1938, and by 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.
The venue was closed in 2005 due to health and safety concerns, but reopened its doors in 2011 after a £1.2 million upgrade.
It gained its current name – the Epstein Theatre – in honour of the late Brian Epstein.
Tickets are on sale now priced from £25.50. For more details visit the Epstein Theatre website.