News and Events
Restored Liverpool theatre to be renamed in honour of Epstein
20th Oct 2010
Liverpool City Council dedicated the venue to Brian Epstein in 1997 to mark the 30th anniversary of his death in 1967. The council has now obtained permission from Epstein’s family to re-name the theatre in his honour.
Restoration work has just started on the building, which has been closed for the last five years and is due to re-open in February following a £750,000 renovation.
Leader of Liverpool City Council Joe Anderson, who has made renovation of the Neptune a priority since he came into office in May, said: “Brian Epstein was to many the fifth Beatle but he was also a brilliant entrepreneur who put many Liverpool acts on the road to success.
“He arguably did more than anyone to stamp the city so emphatically on the world map, an achievement which today generates millions of pounds for our tourism economy.”
Epstein, who also managed Cilla Black, started his career at the theatre when it was Crane’s Music Hall and Crane’s Music Store.
The restoration of the Grade II-listed theatre will include better accessibility, new fittings and removal of the current bar and ticket office.
The City Council will hand it over to a theatre operator once the renovation has been completed.
Source: The Stage
