Ghosts of Epstein Theatre
Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre, a Grade II-listed gem on Hanover Street, has long been a stage for drama—both scripted and spectral. Since its opening in 1913, this intimate venue has hosted countless performances, but some say its most enduring cast members are the ghosts who refuse to take their final bow. From shadowy figures in the stalls to eerie melodies echoing backstage, the Epstein’s paranormal tales are as captivating as its history. In this article, we’ll uncover the theatre’s ghostly residents, trace its origins, and explore why Liverpool city centre is a hotspot for ghosts of the past.
A Theatre Born of Music and Ambition
The Epstein Theatre began life as Crane’s Music Hall, built in 1913 by the Crane Brothers—Charles and Frank—owners of a successful music and piano business. Established as pawnbrokers on Scotland Road, the Cranes expanded into a thriving music store on Hanover Street. To showcase their pianos, they constructed a five-story building, incorporating a concert hall above the shop. Designed with mahogany panels and elegant plasterwork, the hall opened on February 3, 1916, after final plans were approved—slightly later than the often-cited 1913 date.
The construction cost £12,000—a significant sum for the time—reflecting the Cranes’ ambition to create a cultural hub. By 1938, it became the Crane Theatre as amateur drama groups took root. In 1967, the Liverpool Corporation bought it for £7,000, renaming it the Neptune Theatre after the Roman god of the sea, a nod to the city’s maritime heritage. After a £1.2 million refurbishment in 2011, it reopened as the Epstein Theatre, honoring Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who once performed there as a child. Sadly, financial woes forced its closure in June 2023, though plans for a 2025 reopening offer hope.
The Ghosts That Haunt the Epstein
The Epstein’s ghostly reputation grew alongside its theatrical legacy. Paranormal investigators Chris Cummings and Adam Billing of Haunted Scouse explored the venue in 2022, capturing chilling encounters. Chris reported seeing a shadowy man in the middle stalls, gazing at the stage, while their equipment picked up the tune “Hush Little Baby” backstage—an eerie lullaby with no source. Later, they learned of a spectral cleaner said to sit three seats in on the front row, exactly where a mysterious flash of light appeared on camera.
Other tales abound. Staff have heard disembodied footsteps in the dressing rooms and seen lights flicker inexplicably. Some link these hauntings to the theatre’s early days, suggesting a performer or worker from the Crane era lingers. With its closure, locals whisper that the spirits may have grown restless, unwilling to let the curtain fall on their domain and conect with Ghosts of Epstein Theatre.
Why Liverpool City Centre is Filled with Ghosts of the Past
Liverpool’s city centre teems with ghostly lore, and the Epstein Theatre is just one thread in this spectral tapestry. The city’s history as a major port fueled its growth—and its tragedies. Shipwrecks, disease, and industrial accidents left countless souls tied to its streets. Georgian terraces on Rodney Street hide tales of bodysnatchers and restless doctors, while St. James’ Cemetery harbors gothic phantoms. The Epstein, built on a site bustling with activity since the 19th century, sits atop layers of human experience—each layer a potential echo.
The city’s knack for storytelling amplifies these hauntings. Liverpudlians have long spun yarns of the supernatural, blending fact with folklore. The Epstein’s ghosts may stem from real events—like a worker’s untimely end—or from the collective imagination of a city that thrives on drama. Its maritime past, wartime scars, and cultural upheavals create a perfect storm for restless spirits, making Liverpool a place where the past never fully fades.
A Stage for the Living and the Dead
The Epstein Theatre’s history—from the Crane Brothers’ vision to its modern struggles—mirrors Liverpool’s own evolution. Its £12,000 construction in 1913 and £1.2 million revival in 2011 show a commitment to culture, yet its 2023 closure reflects the challenges of preserving the past. The ghosts, whether real or imagined, add a layer of mystique to this 400-seat venue, keeping its story alive even in silence.
As plans emerge to reopen the Epstein in 2025, one wonders: will the spirits welcome the return of the spotlight, or will they cling to the shadows? Liverpool’s city centre, with its haunted alleys and storied buildings, suggests they’re here to stay—proof that in this city, the past is never truly gone.
Have you experienced something spooky at the Epstein or elsewhere in Liverpool? Drop your tale in the comments—I’d love to hear it your views on the Ghosts of Epstein Theatre!