The Christians, Ricky Tomlinson, Andrew Lancel and Joe McGann among those set to appear in the celebratory September show.
AN all-star line-up of Liverpool talent will entertain audiences at the Epstein Theatre’s special Gala Opening event this September.
The evening at the historic Hanover Street landmark will take place on Friday, 19 September – Brian Epstein’s birthday.
Tickets are on sale now priced from £25.50.
Actor Ricky Tomlinson will cut a ceremonial ribbon to officially open the theatre, marking the beginning of a new era for the beloved 110-year-old venue.
Acclaimed Liverpool group The Christians are set to headline the event which will also see appearances from Liverpool actors Andrew Lancel and Joe McGann, songstress Charlotte Gallagher, much-loved troubadour Asa Murphy and acoustic duo The Skylarks.
Students from the city’s creative media institution LMA, which has a special relationship with the Epstein Theatre, will open the show.
The theatre started life in November 1915 as a 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.
The Grade II listed landmark had been closed for almost two years when it was taken over by its current leaseholders and a new management team, and since it reopened its doors it has developed an opening season programme of entertainment which reflects the theatre’s century-long role as the home of local talent, national touring productions, music, comedy and pantomime.
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. 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.”
Event details
Date: Thursday, 19 September
Time: 7.30pm
Book online at www.epsteintheatre.com
Book in person at the box office from Thursday-Sunday, 2-6pm
