Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre has responded to a report placing it in ‘at risk’ status.
The Grade II-listed performing arts space based in the city centre was one of three local theatre venues named in the Theatre Trust’s 2026 ‘Theatres at Risk Register’.
A national advisory body’s decision to keep the Epstein on the list stems from an unresolved historic planning application submitted by its 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.
Due to the undetermined status of the planning application, the Theatres Trust retained the Epstein on its register as a standard procedural monitoring measure.
But theatre bosses insist it is ‘business as usual’ with the listing having zero impact on its daily operations, security or future programming at the iconic city venue.
Epstein Theatre director Stephen Edgerton said: “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.”