Former Hollyoaks star Joe McGann has called on Liverpool City Council to save the Epstein Theatre, which is set to close on Friday after the local authority withdrew its financial support due to budget cuts.
The Grade II listed venue on Hanover Street has been operated by Epstein Entertainments Ltd since October 2018. A petition to save the theatre has garnered over 13,000 signatures in two weeks.
McGann, the elder brother of actors Paul, Mark and Stephen, described the 100-year-old theatre as a 'little jewel' and a place that inspired him to become an actor. He said the city lacks a medium-sized venue that bridges the gap between small stages and the Liverpool Empire.
'It is beautiful and I can't understand why there aren't more conversations going on,' McGann said. 'We need a stay of execution because they lost three years not just because of the pandemic... let's all have a conversation to make this place shine again.'
A Liverpool City Council spokesman said the authority remains a huge supporter of the city's cultural sector, investing millions annually, but support must deliver value for money. The council had funded the theatre's restoration and supported it since 2011.
The spokesman added that it was hoped an amicable solution would be found between the operator and landlord, given they had more than 18 months to negotiate a new lease.
