The management team behind Liverpool’s historic Epstein Theatre has reassured theatregoers that it remains “business as usual” at the Hanover Street landmark, despite its inclusion on the Theatres Trust’s 2026 Theatres at Risk Register.
The national advisory body’s decision to keep the Grade II listed venue on the list stems entirely from an unresolved, historic planning application submitted by the building’s commercial landlord, JSM Group. The application seeks a routine change of use for the vacant, former office spaces located on the upper floors above the theatre, with intentions to convert them into serviced apartments.
Because the planning application remains undetermined, the Theatres Trust retains the venue on its register as a standard procedural measure to monitor potential structural, acoustic, or logistical impacts on the performance space below.
Crucially, the listing has zero impact on the daily operations, security, or future programming of the iconic venue. Following a massive £1 million investment and refurbishment, the Epstein successfully reopened its doors and continues to stage a bustling, vibrant calendar of live music, comedy, dramatic touring productions, and its signature family pantomimes.
Stephen Edgerton, CEO for the Epstein Theatre, commented:
“We want to entirely reassure our patrons, performers, and the wider Liverpool community that it is absolutely business as usual here at the Epstein. The Theatres Trust’s register listing is a procedural response to the landlord’s ongoing planning application for the empty offices above us.
Our doors are wide open, our autumn and winter schedules are packed, and our focus remains exactly where it belongs: delivering world-class entertainment in an incredible, historic space. The fabric of the theatre is secure, our lease is active, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to Hanover Street for years to come.
At no stage prior to publication were we contacted to verify the current position of the theatre, request updated information, or provide us with an opportunity to comment. What is particularly concerning is that, within hours of the media coverage, the risk level assigned to the theatre was reportedly reduced. This raises serious questions about the robustness of the original assessment, the accuracy of the information that was published, and whether the original listing was based on complete and up-to-date evidence.”
Matt Crebbin, Property and Assets Manager for JSM Group, added:
“We are currently working alongside Liverpool City Council and Historic England on a planning application to convert the vacant upper-floor office space at Hanover House into serviced apartments.
We have listened carefully to all feedback and are developing a robust acoustic strategy to address these matters. This process has no bearing whatsoever on the day-to-day operations of the Epstein Theatre, who remain a valued tenant of ours.”
The Epstein Theatre first opened in 1913 as Crane Hall and has stood as a cornerstone of Liverpool’s cultural sector for over a century. The venue remains fully committed to serving local artists and theatre lovers, completely unaffected by the development plans of the building’s upper tiers.