News and Events
Liverpool Neptune to open its doors again
3rd Aug 2010
Due to a disagreement over renewing the lease of the building with the landlord, renovation plans for the venue have been on hold after it was closed in 2005 for health and safety reasons.
Council leader Joe Anderson has now personally agreed the terms with the landlord so that the work can go forward.
The work, which includes overhauling the electrics and making the building accessible, is due to begin by the end of this month and be completed by spring 2011.
The council also plans to invite expressions of interest from theatre operators to run the venue and hopes to make the appointment early next year.
Anderson said: “It’s been nothing short of a travesty for Liverpool that the Neptune Theatre has been in mothballs these past five years.
“The Neptune was a vital stepping stone in Liverpool’s comedy and theatre land, providing countless people of all ages down the years with their first experience of performing at a major city centre venue.”
Liverpool Corporation acquired the 1913 venue for the city in 1967 and Lenny Henry, Jenny Agutter and Steve Coogan have all performed there.
The building’s entry in the Theatres Trust register states: “It is an unusual, extremely pleasing and intimate house, suitable for plays and chamber music.”
Source: The Stage
