New season at the Epstein
Everything from comedy to contemporary classical music, to, erm, Sonia is to be found on the stage of the brand new Epstein Theatre in the near future, as the new venue has unveiled the line-up for its first official season of shows. Renamed after Beatles manager Brian Epstein, the former Neptune theatre will offer a few nice surprises alongside a number of high profile shows that have already been announced (including Richard Herring on October 7 - hooray), including the fact that the theatre's bar will be open every night, and not just when shows are on. Liverpool institutions such as Laughterhouse Comedy and the Martini Lounge have found new homes at the venue, and excitement is mounting as we wait to see who will be announced in the lead role of Epstein - The Man Who Made The Beatles (MADEUP is assured it will be a big name). The theatre bar has become Brian’s Bar, designed by Richard Eastwood. The bar will be open from 2pm until 11pm every day, and will also have its own programme of events with exhibitions, live music and poetry evenings all in the planning. Brian’s Bar opens this Friday (September 7) at 2pm. There will also an exclusive member’s only club The 11 O’Clock Club, where the city’s creative industries can come together from 11pm until 3am. CEO of Liverpool Sound City and the Epstein Theatre Dave Pichilingi said: “Epstein is now fully open for business and we are delighted to be unveiling our autumn and winter programme. We have also fully refurbished the bar area of Epstein Theatre which is now officially known as Brian's Bar. Our aim is that Brian's Bar becomes the destination of choice for all the creative and artistic community from the region. "It features its own stage and performance area where artists can test out their new art and ideas in front of a receptive audience. Also part of the Epstein offer is the late night 11 O'Clock Club - Liverpool's first members club for the creative and music community from the city.” September highlights include a brand new play by Coronation Street’s Pauline Fleming Dirty Dating.com, and Guitar Masters Andy McKee, Jon Gomm and Preston Reed stopping off on their UK tour. Liverpool Comedy Festival will take over the Epstein for four nights of Laughterhouse Comedy, while Everton fans can also enjoy An Evening With Neville Southall. In October Dervish are set to perform live as part of Liverpool Irish Festival and the Martini Lounge burlesque night returns; plus Halloween brings an event with a difference with the Liverpool Philharmonic’s Ensemble 10/10 performing Frankenstein!!, conducted by Clark Rundell. The highlight of the Epstein Theatre opening season is the world premiere of Epstein – The Man Who Made The Beatles. This multi-media play with live music is created by Jen Heyes and Andrew Sherlock and runs from November 15 to December 1. Panto promises Sonia, Philip 'Tinhead' Olivier and reality TV star Nikki Grahame among the cast, and there is even to be a film screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, hosted by none other than Pete Price. Tickets for all events can now be purchased in person from Brian’s Bar, or check out the new website.
