Liverpool's Epstein Theatre reopens with stunning gala celebration!

On September 19th, what would have been Brian Epstein's 91st birthday, Liverpool celebrated the grand reopening of the Epstein Theatre (formerly the Neptune) with an evening that honoured the city’s rich musical heritage and promising future. The honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon fell to Comedian Ricky Tomlinson before the show began, setting the tone for a night filled with nostalgia. The show commenced with a spirited performance from students at Liverpool Music Academy (LMA), and their rendition of Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend. Broadcaster Billy Butler soon followed, regaling the crowd with anecdotes of ‘Beatlemania’ and early memories of working with Brian.

Photo Credit: Paul Dixon

Among the many highlights of the evening was the charming mother-daughter duo, The Skylarks, known from their stunning performance on The Voice. They delivered a beautiful Fleetwood Mac cover in fitting bohemian attire, before moving to their own original songs. One ballad, dedicated by the daughter to her mother, was especially moving, made all the more poignant by their story of how the Epstein was the very first stage she ever performed as a child.

Host Joe Speare kept the night flowing with his charming commentary, while Ricky Tomlinson and Asa Murphy took the stage; they reminisced on their friendship with Epstein, as well as times spent at the legendary theatre before its unfortunate closing, and performed a few songs. A recurring theme echoed throughout their words, and that was the importance of creative spaces, the arts and theatre, and how we must protect them for the next generation of artists. 

The stage was later graced by legends such as Berlyn Marsden, Andrew Lancel and Joe McGann, all of whom shared glowing anecdotes that made the audience connect with the late Brian Epstein.

After a brief intermission (and chance to grab some of the complimentary wine), Speare returned to introduce rising star Charlotte Gallagher, whose stunning vocal power left us all in awe. His words, crowning her as ‘the future of Liverpool music’, felt prophetic.

The final act of the show belonged to Liverpool legends and the show’s headliners, The Christians. Frontman Gary Christian shared playful banter with the crew and audience, at one point dashing into the crowd, as well as taking some time within their thrilling set to remind us all of Brian’s enduring influence on the Liverpool music scene. This performance was also their drummer’s first time back on stage after recovering from a heart attack, making it an extra special night for fans of the band. 

The night soon ended as it began - with a collective feeling of admiration for Liverpool's incredible music history and future, and for Brian Epstein’s unforgettable impact on those who knew him. The reopening of the theatre was a living, breathing celebration of Liverpool's music scene, both past and present, and a reminder of the resilience in its roots that made way for an incredible, dazzling future ahead of us.