Epstein Theatre could be reopened with right support - charity

A historic theatre which was shut in June could be revived with the right support, a charity has said.

Liverpool's Epstein Theatre, which opened as a performance space in 1913, closed after financial support was cut.

Theatres Trust, a charity that campaigns to protect the UK's theatres, has added the site to its "at-risk register" in a bid to save the venue.

Councillor Harry Doyle, from Liverpool City Council, said the move offered "renewed hope" for the space.

Theatres Trust has published its annual Theatres at Risk Register, which highlights theatres across the UK under threat of closure, redevelopment or severe decay, but which all have the potential to be revived for their local communities with the right support.

A spokesperson for the trust said: "Epstein Theatre faces an uncertain future after Liverpool City Council was unable to renew its lease of the building and subsequently the associated management agreement with the incumbent theatre operator.

"Operator Epstein Entertainments Ltd has likewise been unable to agree new lease terms with the building landlord."

It has left the Grade II listed theatre and concert hall "vacant and with no plans for the future".

Mr Doyle, Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for culture, said he welcomed the move to add the theatre to the list.

"The Theatres Trust can now ensure there are productive conversations between the commercial landlord and any potential operators, with the shared ambition to find a positive solution which would see this important cultural asset reopening its doors," he said.

Jon Morgan, Theatres Trust director, said the changes to the list represented "the wider issues we are seeing across the theatre sector".

"We believe that all of these buildings are worth the investment, not only as valuable social and cultural facilities but also for their potential contribution to wider placemaking and regeneration," he said.

Abbeydale Picture House in Sheffield has also been added to the list while Dudley Hippodrome has been removed after it was demolished.

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