TV and stage actor Andrew Lancel, who is set to play
Brian Epstein in Epstein: The Man Who Made the Beatles, in London’s
West End this summer, has been confirmed as one of the celebrity names who
will unveil a commemorative Heritage Foundation Blue Plaque at the London
offices of Epstein’s company NEMS on Sunday 29
June.
Andrew
Lancel (Coronation Street and The Bill) says he is honoured to be asked to
be a part of the special unveiling ceremony which will take place at
Sutherland House, adjacent to the London Palladium, where NEMS
occupied offices in the building from the height of Beatlemania in 1964 until
shortly after Brian’s tragic death in 1967.
The plaque for
the former Beatles manager comes in a year which would have seen him celebrate
his 80th birthday and was posthumously inducted into the Rock
& Roll Hall of fame following a campaign from fans.
David Stark, SongLink International (sponsors of the
plaque) and on behalf of The Heritage Foundation said "The Heritage
Foundation is delighted that our former Vice President Andrew Lancel is able to
join us on an historic day commemorating Brian Epstein's massive contribution to
the global music industry and popular culture during his tragically short life.
It's totally appropriate that Andrew helps us pull the cord on the day, and we
all wish him well with his upcoming stage role as Epstein."
It also coincides with the opening of a new play -
Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, at London’s Leicester Square
Theatre from 30 July - 6 September 2014, written by Andrew Sherlock
and directed by Jen Heyes. The play is a fascinating window into the much
speculated private world of the music entrepreneur whose stellar career as
Beatles Manager made him a household name yet who’s controversial personal life
remained very much in the closet. Brian died of an accidental overdose at the
age of 32.
Actor Andrew Lancel said “It is an honour to be
playing Brian in London and also a great honour to be involved in this fitting
tribute which is so deserving to a man who’s mark is not only present in London,
but right across the world, it is going to be a wonderful
afternoon.”
The event is
expected to be attended by many of his contemporaries, friends, family members
and others associated with the man who took The Beatles, Cilla Black,
Gerry & The Pacemakers and Billy J. Kramer to
worldwide stardom. Following the plaque unveiling there will be a celebratory
luncheon at the Regents Park Marriott Hotel from 1.00pm, which will include
speeches and tributes from colleagues and friends, as well as live
entertainment.
Brian’s work and legacy is
still very much alive today nearly 50 years after his untimely death and this
plaque marks the contribution of a true icon of 1960’s popular culture – a man
who shaped music and style across the world.
CEREMONY
DETAILS
Plaque
Unveiling Ceremony
Sunday
29th June 2014
Sutherland
House, 5/6 Argyll Street, London W1, adjacent to the London
Palladium
12:00pm
PLAY LISTING
INFORMATION:
Epstein: The Man Who Made
The Beatles
Leicester Square Theatre
6 Leicester Place, London,
Greater London WC2H 7BX
30 July – 6 September
2014
Preview Performances: 30 July
– 2 August
Mon – Sat Evenings: 7.30pm I
Thurs mats 3.00pm I Sat early shows 4.00pm
Ticket Prices: £30-£42.50
HOW TO BOOK:
Book in person at the
venue, online at www.leicestersquaretheatre.com
or via telephone on 08448 733433. Booking fees may
apply
Writing co-commissioned by
Homotopia.
Supported by Orange
Amplification, Arts Council England, Liverpool Vision and Liverpool
Echo.
Production partners: The
Beatles Story (Liverpool), Hard Day’s Night Hotel (Liverpool),
Hard Rock Cafe (London), The Beatles Coffee Shop/Beatles Walks
(London)
The
official production charity partner is CALM www.thecalmzone.net.
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