The Theatres Trust has placed three Merseyside venues on its 2026 Theatres at Risk Register: Liverpool's Epstein Theatre and Garston Empire, and Southport's Garrick Theatre. The register, marking its 20th year, includes 39 theatres across the UK threatened by closure, redevelopment, or severe decay, all deemed capable of revival with appropriate support.
Epstein Theatre: Thriving Despite Listing
Originally built in 1913 as Crane Hall, the Epstein Theatre was expanded into a fully equipped theatre and renamed after Beatles manager Brian Epstein following a £1m refurbishment in 2011. It was added to the register in 2024 after lease complications forced closure in June 2023, but reopened in September 2025 with a full programme.
CEO Stephen Edgerton told the ECHO: "We are aware of the Theatre Trust's publication; however, we would like to reassure audiences, partners and the local community that the theatre is continuing to thrive. Our programme for 2027 is already almost fully booked, and we have a significant number of confirmed bookings and contracts in place for 2028."
Theatres Trust remains concerned about plans to convert offices above the venue into serviced apartments, citing unresolved acoustics and emergency escape issues. Edgerton stated that the theatre operates separately from its landlord and that these plans do not affect daily operations.
Garston Empire: A Rare Surviving Ciné-Variety Theatre
Designed in 1915, the Garston Empire is a rare example of a ciné-variety theatre, reflecting the transition from Edwardian theatre to purpose-built cinemas. It has been on the register since 2009, when it closed as a bingo hall. Years of neglect have left the building with roof damage, broken windows, and vegetation growth, though restoration for theatre use remains possible.
Daniel O'Neill of Garston Community United said: "The Garston Empire is a nationally significant theatre and one of the country's rare surviving early cine-variety houses... Heritage should not only celebrate grand buildings created for the wealthy; it should also protect the places where ordinary people lived, met and were entertained."
Southport Garrick: Art Deco Gem with Redevelopment Plans
Opened in 1932, the Grade II listed Garrick Theatre retains its Art Deco exterior and original auditorium. Converted into a bingo hall in 1963, it was added to the register in 2022 after Mecca Bingo closed the venue in 2021. A mixed-use redevelopment including a hotel, spa, and residential units was approved in 2024, though Theatres Trust raised concerns about viability and heritage impact.
Claire Appleby, head of Theatre Buildings at Theatres Trust, said: "The theatres at risk in this area are all truly special buildings... Each has its own unique social and cultural history and architectural merit, but just importantly, with the right support, each has the potential to be a valuable asset for its local community."
Over the past 20 years, more than 80 theatres have been restored or replaced through the register's efforts, including Bradford Live and Stockton Globe. The full 2026 list includes 39 venues across the UK, from Brighton Hippodrome to Winter Gardens Morecambe.
