Since 1913 the Hanover Street venue formally known as Cranes Music Hall, Cranes Theatre and the Neptune Theatre, has provided live entertainment to the city for 100 years this year which includes the opening of The Epstein Theatre in 2012 following a 1 million refurbishment. To mark the centenary, The Epstein Theatre is delighted to announce its spring season, following its hugely successful first season in autumn 2012, which included Epstein – The Man Who Made The Beatles and the Christmas Pantomime Cinderella starring Sonia and Philip Olivier.

An eclectic mix of live music, variety, amateur dramatics and the premiere of a brand new musical, the Epstein is set to continue its time honoured tradition as The People’s Theatre.

Join hell raiser Oliver Reed on February 6th as he knocks back a few drinks and shares his incredible life story in Oliver Reed: Wild Thing, a brand new play by Mike Davis and Rob Crouch. Gaze in awe as Crouch brings Oliver back to life in a brilliant evening of entertainment. February is set to be a month of music as the U.K.’s leading troubadour, Patrick Wolf returns to Liverpool on February 7th as part of his 10^th Anniversary worldwide Acoustic Tour. Patrick will delve into his extensive back catalogue spanning six albums to deliver an evening of acoustic reworking of some of his most breath-taking work to create a heart-stopper of a show. More Live music is in the pipeline on 9^th February as Parlour Flames, a musical collaboration between former Oasis rhythm guitarist Bonehead and the Manchester based singer songwriter and poet Vinny Peculiar are bringing their unique brand of psychedelic art-rock to the Epstein stage.

Millie Dollar is back at The Epstein as The Martini lounge Burlesque and Variety Show returns for double dose of devilish delights. On the 15^th – 16^th February you can join Millie, Fred and the rest of team for the U.K.’s must-see Burlesque and Variety show which is set to include acts old and new. The Epstein Theatre also have some amateur dramatics from 19^th – 23^rd February provided by Crosby Gilbert and Sullivan Society and their latest endeavour, The Sorcerer.

Taking audiences into March are European Opera Centre: The Beggar’s Opera where Opera North’s Richard Farnes will make his very first appearance with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in this riotous co-production with the European Opera Centre and singers from the Royal Northern College of Music. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will also be bringing Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter and guitarist Gretchen Peters to the Epstein on the 9^th March. Inspired by Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, Gretchen’s wistful classic country voice and guitar is at the core of her own timeless melody and sound.

Heart and Soul, a brand new musical set in Liverpool, to the Epstein as it makes its world premiere. Running from the 13th– 16th Marchand written, produced and composed by Maria Cavanagh and Indra Nathaniel, Heart and Soul follows the journey of Liverpool lass, Cathy Mason and her quest for success in the cut throat music industry. March 21^stwill see mercury Prize nominated folk singer Sam Lee stage light up The Epstein with some very special guests.

A poignant piece of drama draws March to a close with Franny Conlin’s gritty, hard-hitting yet honest drama Wild Flowers Written by Franny Conlin and directed by Russell Parrythis is a reminder ofLiverpool’s own history and its very own identity.

Comedy in the air as John Graham Davis’ critically acclaimed one man play Beating Berlusconi will be running from the 5^th – 7^th April. Described as an irreverent Scouser’s comic odyssey this is the true story of the Liverpool fan that ended up sitting next to the Italian PM at the Champions’ League Final in 2005. There is also something for the ladies as the smash hit If the Shoe Fits is returning to Liverpool after a previous successful run. Written by Donna Lesley Price and directed by Richie Grice this hilarious award winning comedy has built a fan base with the public with audiences ranging from 16 to 60 plus (men and women),who return year after year to watch these dynamic characters and their antics. April will also see the return of Liverpool’s finest fab four sound-a-likes as The Mersey Beatles.

For further information on the events coming up at the Epstein Theatre during the Spring season can be found on the Epstein Theatre website.