Whats On In Liverpool
Epstein Theatre Gets Into The Spirit Of The 1940’s For Premiere Of Liverpool Blitz Musical
Audiences at The Epstein Theatre must have thought they had stepped into a time machine when they attended the opening night of Liver Birdsong!
For when they arrived at the Theatre on Hanover Street, it had been transformed back into its previous guise as the old Cranes Theatre.
The ushers and theatre staff were decked out in vintage 1940s uniforms to greet the audiences who had to come to see the premiere of a brand-new Blitz Musical.
The Epstein had turned back the hands of time to the 1940s as part of a Heritage Lottery Funded project – Celebrating the Epstein.
The Theatre has received £46,300.00 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to launch the project which focuses on the theatre’s history and the central role that it played in forming the city’s artistic heritage.
The Epstein has been entertaining audiences in Liverpool for 100 years. It has had several different names since it first opened as The Crane’s Music Hall in 1913. It soon became a space for local amateur theatre groups and went on to become Cranes Theatre. It then changed its name again to The Neptune Theatre to honour the city’s sea fairing tradition and then once more in 2012 to The Epstein Theatre in honour of Brian Epstein, the man who made The Beatles.
The Epstein Theatre has turned back the clock to the 1940s just in time for the premiere of a new commemorative war-time musical – Liver Birdsong – The Liverpool Blitz Musical which opened on Tuesday, 29th November and runs until Saturday, 3rd December 2016.
For the duration of the show, audiences arriving at the Epstein, which will be renamed Cranes Theatre for the occasion, will be greeted by ushers in their 1940s uniforms and serenaded by bluegrass artists whilst enjoying food and drink from the Forties including a glass of London Pride and authentic wartime sweets to munch on while they enjoy the show.
The Theatre felt that the premiere of the new Blitz Musical would be the perfect opportunity to explore the Theatre’s heritage and are encouraging the audience to participate by dressing in 1940s attire!
Liver Birdsong – The Liverpool Blitz Musical commemorates the 75th anniversary of The Blitz, and is brought to the stage by Birdsong Live Productions CIC. The story of Liver Birdsong remembers The Blitz, when Liverpool was bombarded by the German Luftwaffe during World War II.
Theatre manager, Rebekah Pichilingi, said: “We have been busy researching the history of the Epstein which has had several different names since it first opened as The Crane’s Music Hall in 1913.
“At every point in its history the theatre has been an essential part of Liverpool’s creative scene and has left visitors from all over the world with countless happy and life enriching memories.
“Liver Birdsong tells the story of The Liverpool Blitz which gave us the perfect excuse to turn back time and transform the Epstein back into Cranes Theatre.
“We’ve had great fun dressing up and we hope the audience will join in the spirit of the 1940s with their tea dresses, peplums, Zoot Suits and Victory Rolls!”
To book tickets call 0844 888 4411, visit www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk or book in person at the Epstein Theatre box office (open Monday to Thursday from 2pm to 6pm, or Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 6pm).
Facebook: /Liverbirdsong
Twitter: @LiverBirdsong
LISTING INFORMATION
LIVER BIRDSONG
Thursday 1 December – 2.30pm / 7.30pm
Friday 2 December – 7.30pm
Saturday 3 December – 2.30pm / 7.30pm
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets from £15.50 – £24.50*
Opening night all seats £18.00. Midweek Mats all seats £15.00
Group Rates available
Book tickets by calling 0844 888 4411
Book tickets online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk
Book in person at the theatre box office (open 2pm-6pm Monday-Thursday / 12pm-6pm Friday-Saturday)
*Tickets include a 50p restoration levy per booking
The Epstein Theatre
85 Hanover Street
Liverpool
L1 3DZ
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