Bill Elms &
Jen Heyes Productions Ltd present
Created by Jen
Heyes & Andrew Sherlock | Written by Andrew Sherlock | Directed by Jen
Heyes
Starring Andrew
Lancel as Epstein and introducing Will Finlason as ‘This Boy’
Epstein: The Man Who Made The
Beatles, the long-awaited world premiere about one of the world’s
most successful music entrepreneurs, Brian Epstein, opens in Liverpool in just
four weeks’ time. The multi-media play with live music forms part of the
official programme of Liverpool’s 50th Anniversary of The Beatles, is a
highlight of Liverpool’s annual Homotopia International Arts Festival
and the first major production at the newly refurbished Epstein Theatre
named after Brian.
Acclaimed actor and TV star Andrew Lancel
(Coronation Street, The Bill, Queer
as Folk) plays the lead role of Brian Epstein and newcomer Will
Finlason takes on the fictional role of ‘This Boy’ – a character that
embodies the soul of 60s Liverpool. This
two-hander play charts Brian Epstein’s adult life and illustrious career
from his drama school days to managing the world’s biggest pop group.
Lancashire-born Andrew Lancel most recently played the
high profile part of Frank Foster in ITV’s Coronation Street and has also
had notable roles in ITV’s The Bill (as DI Neil Manson), Channel 4’s
Queer as Folk (Harvey Black) and BBC1’s Cardiac Arrest (Dr Andrew
Collin).
Andrew
Lancel said: “As a Beatles fan it’s a daunting but hugely exciting
challenge to be playing Brian Epstein and I was very honoured to be asked. This
is the first play I’ve accepted in 10 years which says a lot – it’s a powerful
and moving piece but also an entertaining insight into one of our own and what
makes him tick.”
Will Finlason said: “I’m just thrilled to be
a part of such a new and exciting piece of theatre! The part itself is a dream
come true and having strong family connections with Liverpool makes it all the
more special to be making my professional debut in a city so close to my
heart.”
Will trained at the Manchester School of Theatre at
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). In his final year he played Prior
Walter in Tony Kushner's much acclaimed ‘Angels in America’
and the title role in Stephen Sondheim's ‘Sweeney Todd’. Since graduating in
June he has appeared in ‘The Last Train to Tomorrow’, an original work by Carl
Davis CBE, which was premiered by the Halle Orchestra at the Bridgewater Hall,
Manchester during the summer.
Running from 15 November – 1
December 2012, Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles is brought to
you by Bill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions Ltd (Tales from Haunted
Liverpool, Tales From Charles Dickens), written by Andrew Sherlock
(Wall Talks and The Shankly Show) and created and directed by Jen
Heyes (Treasured, Blood Wedding, Wall Talks). Set and costume
designer Amanda Stoodley has been appointed to create the perfect look
for the play, evoking Brian’s exacting taste and sense of style. Amanda has a
wealth of previous experience including acclaimed shows and installations at
Manchester Royal Exchange and Liverpool Biennial.
Born in Liverpool in 1934 to Jewish descent, the cool,
modern, gay and urbane Brian Epstein spent his early adult life working for the
family business NEMS (North End Music Stores), he was drafted into the
Royal Army Service Corps and moved to London to join RADA. He returned to
Liverpool to manage the brand new NEMS city centre music store and not long
after was the historic lunchtime visit to the famous Cavern Club to hear four
Liverpool lads perform and the rest is history. Brian died in 1967 of an
accidental overdose at the age of 32.
Jen Heyes, co-creator and director said: “After a
long and complex development and casting process I can’t believe Epstein: The
Man Who Made The Beatles is almost upon us! Myself and co-producer Bill Elms are
very excited, as are the cast and creative team and with rehearsals well
underway the production is really coming to life and progressing wonderfully.
Andrew Lancel as Brian and Will Finlason as This Boy complement each other so
well and the chemistry between the two is electric so audiences are in for a
treat.”
Epstein: The Man Who Made The
Beatles is set during this famous but enigmatic man’s last days. This is a
must see opportunity to discover a previously unexplored story and celebrate a
true icon of 1960’s popular culture – a man
who shaped music and style across the world.
Epstein:
The Man Who Made The Beatles is sponsored by Gregory Abrams Davidson LLP
Solicitors (Matthew Street and Penny Lane).
Writing
co-commissioned by Homotopia and supported by Liverpool
Vision.
Production partners: The Cavern, The Beatles
Story, Hard Days Night Hotel, Magical Mystery Tour, Fab Cabs Beatles
Tours, Annexe Inc and Liverpool Echo.
The
official charity of production is C.A.L.M.
More
information on Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles can be found at
www.epsteintheplay.com.
LISTING
INFORMATION
Epstein: The Man Who Made
The Beatles
Starring Andrew Lancel
and Will Finlason
The Epstein
Theatre
Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1
3DY
Thu 15 November – Sat 1
December 2012
Preview Performances: 15-17
November 2012 – Seats from
£10
Thu and Sat Matinees: 2.30pm
| Mon – Sat Evenings: 7.30pm
Ticket Prices: £10-£24
(Concessions Available)
How to
Book:
Box Office: 0844 8000 410* or
0844 888 4411. Online at www.ticketquarter.co.uk* or www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk* or in
person at the TicketQuarter, Queens Square, Liverpool or the Epstein Theatre, Hanover Street,
Liverpool*
*Subject to booking fee. No Booking Fees for cash sales
in person.
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