Liverpool's new Epstein Theatre has announced its first official season following a £1M refit of the former Neptune Theatre on Hanover Street.
The new theatre, named after Beatles manager Brian Epstein, is to provide a mixed programme of theatre, music and film, including the première of a new play about the venue's namesake, Epstein—The Man Who Made the Beatles, by Jen Heyes and Andrew Sherlock, running from 15 November to 1 December.
The first theatre offering in the season is Dirty Dating.com by former Coronation Street star Pauline Fleming on 13 and 14 September.
LHK Productions will bring back pantomime to the former Neptune after a seven-year absence with Cinderella starring pop singer Sonia as Baroness Hardup, former Brookside and Hollyoaks in the City star Philip Olivier as Buttons, star of 2006 Big Brother Nikki Grahame as the Fairy Godmother, Radio City presenter Simon Greening as Dandini and Grease is the Word finalist Alison Crawford as Cinderella.
The Epstein will also be the new home for Laughterhouse Comedy and for cabaret and burlesque events under the banner of The Martini Lounge.
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'. This is Liverpool's first members club for the creative and music community from the city."