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____________________________________________________________________________________________ Neptune Theatre, 85 Hanover
Street, Liverpool
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The Neptune Theatre was built in 1911 and originally opened as a concert hall called the Crane Hall, sometimes known as Crane's Music Hall, in 1913. The space was incorporated into a five story building which was built for the Crane Brothers to house offices and a music shop. The Hall, which was above the music shop and reached by a long spiral staircase, was originally intended for musical recitals and had a small platform stage to the right of where the rear stalls entrance of the present Neptune Theatre is. The Company later purchased the 130 year old building next door and set about converting it into a stage and fly tower so that the Concert Hall could be converted into a Theatre. The Theatre could seat 451 people and was used primarily as a home for amateur dramatics, although it occasionally housed professional productions too. Despite this the name Crane Hall remained until 1938 when it was renamed the Crane Theatre. In 1967, after a period of risk and likely closure, the Theatre was bought from the Cranes by the Liverpool Corporation who wished to save the space for local people. The Theatre then closed in the summer of 1967 when £7,000 was spent on refurbishment and redecoration. A new apron stage was also constructed, with new entrances on either side. Front of House the bar was reconstructed so that it could also be used as an art gallery and buffet, and a lift was installed from street level. The Theatre reopened in September 1968 with a production of 'An Enemy of the People' under its new name of the Neptune Theatre, after the Roman God of the sea, due to Liverpool's long held maritime connections. The following year the Theatre was further enhanced by refurbishing back stage, rewiring the whole building, and installing mechanical lifting gear for the safety curtain. In 2010 the Theatre has been empty and unused for approximately 5 years. It was closed with the intention of refurbishing it, however due to complications (believed to involve asbestos and rent increases) this has not yet happened. However, plans are now in progress for future refurbishment and reopening of the Theatre and all being well refurbishment of the Theatre will begin in March this year. The Neptune Theatre is a Grade II listed building which can accommodate
445 people on two levels. If you have any more information or images for this Theatre you are willing to share please Contact Me Here... |
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