Thursday 22 November 2012

WORLD PREMIERE EPSTEIN PRODUCTION OPENS IN LIVERPOOL TO GREAT ACCLAIM




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, is now open at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre. The production is already receiving rave reviews and acclaim from friends and associates of Brian himself.

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.

Joe Flannery, former Beatles booking manager and a friend of Brian’s since childhood said: “I’ve said all along that Andrew needed to shine in this role like Brian used to, and he certainly does. The show brought tears to my eyes – Brian would be so proud.”

Mike McCartney, brother of Paul McCartney and who also knew Brian said: "I thought playing Brian was an impossible task but Andrew nailed it. I can see this play as a success in New York."

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.

Dave Pichilingi, CEO of the Epstein Theatre said: “What a tremendous milestone in the history of this building and the new Epstein Theatre, the play is an amazing piece of theatre wonderfully scripted, wonderfully acted and wonderfully directed. We are so proud of the production and it totally deserves to go out nationally and internationally.”

Running until 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).

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.

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, Gieves & Hawkes, Dawsons Music, Scenic Workshop, Coltas.Co, 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
Until Sat 1 December 2012

Thu and Sat Matinees: 2.30pm | Mon – Sat Evenings: 7.30pm

Ticket Prices: £10-£24 (Concessions Available)

How to Book: 

Box Office: 0844 888 4411. Online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk* or in person at the Epstein Theatre, Hanover Street, Liverpool*

*Subject to booking fee. No Booking Fees for cash sales in person.

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