Liverpool theatre to close after loss of council funding

An historic theatre in Liverpool will close at the end of the month after 'unprecedented pressures' on the city council's budget led to it cutting its financial support for the venue.

The 380-capacity Epstein Theatre, named in memory of The Beatles manager Brian Epstein, has been run by Epstein Entertainments Ltd since 2018 when it secured a five-year deal with Liverpool City Council to operate it.

The firm had received £100,000 a year in financial support from Liverpool City Council but the local authority has said it can no longer afford to subsidise the operation due to 'unprecedented pressures' on its budget.

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Epstein Entertainments said that the running costs and overheads to keep the venue going are "unworkable" without financial support. The theatre is scheduled to close on 30 June with all productions going ahead as planned until that point.

Artistic and Operations Director Chantelle Nolan said that since reopening the theatre to the public in December 2021 after the lifting of Covid restrictions staff have worked tirelessly to make the business a success.

"Unfortunately with the costs we are now facing, it’s become an impossible task," she said.

“The work required to maintain the theatre to HSE standards and comply with legal requirements have become a severe drain on the company’s finances.

"Unfortunately, without Liverpool City Council’s support, it impossible to make it a financial success. We hope the people of Liverpool appreciate that we have done everything within our power to keep the venue open."

'Explored every avenue'

Company Director Jane Joseh said: "We have explored every avenue within Liverpool City Council and further afield to try and achieve funding to enable The Epstein Theatre to stay afloat.

"We have put our heart and souls into finding a solution, but without the much-needed support there is no future for The Epstein Theatre and we fear another nail in the coffin for live theatre in the City of Liverpool."

Speaking to the BBC Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Harry Doyle, said news of the closure was a "massive shame".

"Ultimately it's got to be sustainable and we have supported this as much as we possibly can".