Wednesday 20 August 2014

Epstein Play Will Perform On Anniversary Of Brian Epstein's Death




PLAY WILL PERFORM ON ANNIVERSARY OF BRIAN EPSTEIN’S DEATH
A SPECIAL POST SHOW Q & A TO TAKE PLACE DISCUSSING HIS LIFE AND CONTRIBUTION TO POPULAR MUSIC
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A very special performance of Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, the play about the legendary music manager Brian Epstein at London’s Leicester Square Theatre will take place on Wednesday 27th August, on the anniversary of Brian Epstein’s death.  The show is currently midway through a six week run and ends Sat 6th September.

The two-hander play starring Andrew Lancel and Will Finlason imagines the brilliant but troubled man’s drug-fuelled final days whilst looking back upon his illustrious adult life and meteoric career from his drama school days to managing the world’s biggest pop group – 47 years on the play will perform the very night that Brian Epstein was found dead in his London apartment on 27th August 1967 of a concluded accidental overdose at the age of 32.  Brian Epstein would have celebrated his 80th Birthday this coming September 19th.

A special post show Q & A will take place on the evening on 27th August hosted by TV presenter and showbiz reporter Neil Sean.  On the panel will be actors Andrew Lancel and Will Finlason, Co-producer and Director Jen Heyes and Joe Flannery, lifelong friend and business partner of Brian Epstein, the Q and A will discuss his life and contribution to popular music.  A special show and Q & A ticket of £20 per person is available on this evening when quoting EPSTEIN20.

Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles is the untold story and window into the private world of the gay, Jewish, music entrepreneur whose stellar career as Beatles Manager made him a household name yet whose controversial personal life remained very much in the closet.

Stars of the show Andrew Lancel and Will Finlason have received standing ovations for their portrayal of Brian Epstein and fictional character ‘This Boy’; both returning to the role after the show premiered in Liverpool in 2012 as part of the official Beatles 50th Anniversary celebrations at the city’s Epstein Theatre.  The show opens hot off the heels of 50th Anniversary celebrations happening around the world, Brian Epstein posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and also the unveiling of a commemorative blue plaque at the London offices of Epstein’s company NEMS on 29th June.
Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles 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.

The show opened to rave reviews - what the media said…
“Do. Not. Miss!”
Whatsonstage.com *****

“Andrew Lancel as ‘Brian Epstein’ is mesmerising
London Theatre.co.uk

“Will Finlason excels as This Boy, filling the stage with energy and charisma”
Liverpool Echo 9/10

“Pitch-perfect performance”
The Stage ****

“His performance is a must see”
Entertainment Focus (on Andrew Lancel’s performance of Brian Epstein)

“Lancel as Epstein is a revelation”Digital Spy
“In every part it has the recipe to be a huge success.”whatsupwhatson.com

“An acting masterpiece”
Sardines Magazine

“Superbly written by Andrew Sherlock…
Andrew Lancel was born to play the role of Brian Epstein”
The Examiner

Now running at London’s Leicester Square Theatre until 6 September 2014, Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles is brought to you by Bill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions Ltd, written by Andrew Sherlock and directed by Jen Heyes.

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
Leicester Square Theatre
6 Leicester Place, London, Greater London WC2H 7BX
Running until 6 September 2014
Mon – Sat Evenings: 7.30pm I Thu 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 Arts Council England, Orange Amplification, 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).
Media Partners: Absolute 60’s Radio, Waterfront Magazine and Beatles Magazine.
The official hotel partner is Radisson Blu Edwardian, London.
The official production charity partner is CALM www.thecalmzone.net.
Running Time 2hrs approx
Suitable for age 14+

Monday 18 August 2014

See the Cheatles and Help a Good Cause.

All proceeds from the evening will go towards supporting Children who are or have been Victims of Domestic Violence.

Sunday 17 August 2014

St Peter’s Church Hall Open for Beatle Week


St Peter's Church Hall in Woolton will be open for visitors during Beatle Week 2014!






Come and stand on the spot where John Lennon was first introduced to Paul McCartney by Ivan Vaughan, and visit the graves of John's Uncle George, Eleanor Rigby and Bob Paisley OBE!







Bill Zygmant in the Lennon Suite of the Hard Day's Night
Hotel, with two of his iconic photos
Photographed used with the kind permission of Bill Zygmant
We will also be holding a special exhibition of photographs by the legendary Bill Zygmant!  As well as many of the iconic photographs that Bill took of the Beatles, the exhibition will feature other rock stars including the Bee Gees, Marc Bolan and Jimi Hendrix.



Entry is free, but there will be a range of souvenirs on sale that are unique to St Peter’s and are only available from the Church.  These items are sold as part of the Church’s fund-raising efforts, and proceeds are used to maintain the Hall and ensure that it can continue to welcome visitors from around the world.


Some of the souvenirs available for sale at the Church Hall!


In addition, we are delighted that crafts from Zip It Liverpool! will be on display, and will be available to order.  The hand-made crafts include the beautifully made IlluminARTY range of personalised lighting, decoupage masks, and fabric items, all with a Beatles theme. 


Some of the Beatle-themed craft items from Zip It Liverpool.  
For more visit the online store HERE


The Hall will be open as follows (NB: timings are subject to change):

Thursday August 21 - 1pm to 5pm

Friday August 22 - 11am to 5pm

Saturday August 23 – timings still to be confirmed

Monday August 25 - 10.30am to 5pm 

For up-to-date information, visit the Facebook Events Page at https://www.facebook.com/events/740376232667189


St Peter's Church
Church Lane
Woolton
Liverpool
L25 5JF

Friday 15 August 2014

"Epstein" - Special Offers and a Very Special Performance!

The cast and crew of Epstein: The Man Who Made the Beatles will be commemorating the annivsary of Brian's death on Wednesday August 27 with a very special performance. After the show, there will be a Q&A with the cast, hosted by a soon-to-be-revealed West End favourite!

Tickets are selling fast for this, and all performances, so make sure you book yours now by telephoning the box office on 08448733433 or booking online at www.leicestersquaretheatre.com

Quote the code EPSTEIN20 to get a really great deal on the ticket prices!  Offer available for all shows from now until the end of the run on September 6.


Want to know more about the play?  Then check out these reviews and read why the critics overwhelmingly insist that this is a show not to be missed!

Thursday 14 August 2014

Visit Historic Woolton Baths During Beatle Week!

WOOLTON BATHS (1893)
Restoration Project
WWW.WVRA.CO.UK


WOOLTON BATHS WILL BE OPEN FOR PUBLIC VIEWING ON
23 & 24 AUGUST DURING BEATLE WEEK

ENTRY IS FREE

(Children must be accompanied by an adult)

Woolton Baths, Allerton Road, Woolton Village L25 will be open for public for viewing on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August, staffed by volunteers from 10am to 3pm each day.

There is no charge for entry, although some merchandising will be on sale, and we will be seeking donations to the project to help fund reopening. Visitors can see a selection of the congratulatory 120th birthday cards donated by schools / local individuals, Woolton Swimming Club history, photographs, and view the pool as well as the rear courtyard where the former fire station was located.

There is an historic link to John and Paul's formative years where both swam in the pool, especially John, who was a regular swimmer. 

Should any potential visitors need to make contact directly about opening details etc, please phone: 
WOOLTON VILLAGE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION on 0151 428 8128.


PARTNERED BY SAVE WOOLTON POOL FUND AND THE WOOLTON SOCIETY

Wednesday 13 August 2014

Liverpool Beatles Record, CD & Beatles Vintage Fair starts on Thursday the 21

We have received the following from The Liverpool Beatles Record, CD & Beatles Vintage Fair organisers:
The Liverpool Beatles Record, CD & Beatles Vintage Fair starts on Thursday the 21st August at the Marriott Hotel, 1 Queens Square, just opposite Lime Street Station (look out for our banners!) – and runs until Saturday 23rd August, open 10am till 6pm each of the 3 days. Inside you will find two large rooms packed with all the best you can find to do with anything Beatles…. records,CDs, DVDs, posters, books, original & new memorabilia – all this in fully air conditioned rooms, with a friendly & relaxing atmosphere, plenty of space to browse to your hearts content! - come and meet fellow collectors for a chat (like a lot have done for the past few years) or just come to see some great original merchandise on display, or maybe even treat yourself to a piece of history!

We are also expecting some Beatles guests to be calling in over the 3 days so keep a look out!

On Sunday 24th, we all move across to the Adelphi Hotel for the main event the ‘Annual Beatles Convention’ - organised by Cavern City Tours, please check their web page for full details, too much to list here, but we do know that the world’s leading Beatles author Mark Lewisohn will be talking at 4pm on Sunday…..an event NOT to be missed!

See you at the Marriott!
Click on image to enlarge it

Click on image to enlarge it

Thursday 7 August 2014

"EPSTEIN" OFFICIALLY OPENS IN LONDON’S WEST END!


Bill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions Ltd present



EPSTEIN OFFICIALLY OPENS IN LONDON’S WEST END!
Stars of stage and screen in attendance
Standing ovation and rave reviews received


Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles - the long-awaited play about the legendary music manager Brian Epstein, opened at London’s Leicester Square Theatre on Monday night, with stars of stage and screen turning out for the press night performance. The show will run for six weeks until Sat 6th September.
Celebrity guests at the opening included Frankie Goes to Hollywood singer Holly Johnson, record mogul Seymour Stein, Coronation Street actors Philip Lowrie, Gwen Taylor and Charlie Condou, musician and photographer Mike McCartney, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, Merseybeat singer Beryl Marsden, Everton chairman and theatre producer Bill Kenwright, along with actress Jenny Seagrove, The Beatles’ booking officer Joe Flannery and Merseyside MP’s Angela and Maria Eagle to name but a few.

Stars of the show Andrew Lancel and Will Finlason received a standing ovation for their portrayal of Brian Epstein and fictional character ‘This Boy’; both returning to the roles after the show premiered in Liverpool in 2012 as part of the city’s official Beatles 50th Anniversary celebrations at the city’s Epstein Theatre.

Will Finlason and Andrew Lancel in EPSTEIN -
Credit Bond Media
The show opens hot off the heels of The Beatles 50th Anniversary celebrations happening around the world, Brian Epstein posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and also the unveiling of a commemorative blue plaque at the London offices of Epstein’s company NEMS on 29th June. Brian would have celebrated his 80th birthday this September.

Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles is the untold story and window into the private world of the gay, Jewish, music entrepreneur whose stellar career as Beatles Manager made him a household name yet whose controversial personal life remained very much in the closet. Brian died in 1967 of a concluded accidental overdose at the age of 32.

This two-hander play imagines this brilliant but troubled man’s drug-fuelled final days whilst looking back upon his illustrious adult life and meteoric career from his drama school days to managing the world’s biggest pop group - 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.

What the media said…
“Do. Not. Miss!”
Whatsonstage.com *****

“Andrew Lancel as ‘Brian Epstein’ is mesmerising
London Theatre.co.uk

“Will Finlason excels as This Boy, filling the stage with energy and charisma”
Liverpool Echo 9/10

“Pitch-perfect performance”
The Stage ****

“His performance is a must see”
Entertainment Focus (on Andrew Lancel’s performance of Brian Epstein)

“Lancel as Epstein is a revelation”Digital Spy
“In every part it has the recipe to be a huge success.”whatsupwhatson.com

“An acting masterpiece”
Sardines Magazine

“Superbly written by Andrew Sherlock…
Andrew Lancel was born to play the role of Brian Epstein”
The Examiner

Now running at London’s Leicester Square Theatre until 6 September 2014, Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles is brought to you by Bill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions Ltd, written by Andrew Sherlock and directed by Jen Heyes.
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
Leicester Square Theatre
6 Leicester Place, London, Greater London WC2H 7BX
Running until 6 September 2014
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 Arts Council England, Orange Amplification, 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).
Media Partners: Absolute 60’s Radio, Waterfront Magazine and Beatles Magazine.
The official hotel partner is Radisson Blu Edwardian, London.
The official production charity partner is CALM www.thecalmzone.net.
Running Time 2hrs approx
Suitable for age 14+

Songs of Love & Revolution – A Celebration of Music That Matters

“Songs of Love & Revolution – A Celebration of Music That Matters”
Comes to City Winery, NY – September 14 @ 7pm
 
Featuring Tom Chapin, Guy Davis, Dana Fuchs,
Garland Jeffreys, Lucy Kaplansky and Bettye LaVette
 
Charity Concert To Benefit Theatre Within and Clearwater
 
 
July 30, 2014 – Theatre Within, the grassroots non-profit behind the Annual John Lennon Tribute in New York, will present Songs of Love And Revolution – A Celebration of Music That Matters on Sunday, September 14 at City Winery, NY. Tickets are available online at TheatreWithin.org and by phone at 212-608-0555 (ext 2713).
 
The charity concert, produced in association with Music Without Borders, will feature a diverse  group of folk and blues artists performing classic songs that reflected and helped shape American culture over the last 50 years. The line-up includes R&B great Bettye Lavette, folk legend Tom Chapin, Dana Fuchs (Love Janis, Across The Universe) and acclaimed singer-songwriters Garland Jeffreys, Lucy Kaplansky and Guy Davis.   
 
Proceeds will help Theatre Within cover production costs for its 34th Annual John Lennon Tribute charity concert, scheduled for December 5 at Symphony Space, as well as Clearwater, the non-profit organization founded by Pete Seeger, in support of its ongoing efforts to protect the Hudson River, environmental advocacy and educational programs.
 
“For every generation, songs of love and revolution cut deepest to the heart,” said Theatre Within Artistic Director, Joe Raiola. “They’re the songs that express some essential truth and awaken the spirit within. They’re timeless.” 
 
“I’m really looking forward to seeing which songs resonate with each artist, based on their personality and musical repertoire,” added Steve Lurie, President of Music Without Borders and Director of the Clearwater Festival. “It’s is going to be a really wonderful night.”
 
***
Theatre Within is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization which furthers the role of the performing arts as a positive social force through its workshops and programs in creative expression, Annual John Lennon Tribute, concerts and theater productions.
 

Tuesday 5 August 2014

EPSTEIN- The Man Who Made The Beatles

EPSTEIN- The Man Who Made The Beatles 
LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE-London August 4th 2014 

This year Brian Epstein would be 80 years old, and this play is one of the many tributes to him. 

Following a very successful run in Liverpool, Epstein-The Man Who Made The Beatles has now moved to London. 

Starring Andrew Lancel, as Brian Epstein, who has appeared in numerous TV shows, such as “Heartbeat”, “Casualty”, “Liverpool One”, “The Bill”, and “Coronation Street” to name a few, as well as theatre, film and radio work, and Will Finlayson, as This Boy, a fictitious character who wants to know the real Brian Epstein. 

We are told by This Boy from the outset what to expect. This is a play that is about Brian, not The Beatles, not Cilla or any other of his artists, just to try and find the real Brian Epstein. 

Many things have been written and said about Brian- particularly his so called poor business deals and of course the theories about his death, but this play shows the real Brian, brilliantly played by Lancel and you begin to realise what a talented man he was who believed in his boys “The Beatles”. 

It is hard to think now that in the early 1960’s no one outside London really made records. Brian pushed for The Beatles to get a recording contract, and then to get them into America, but first they must have a number one hit, and then he insisted on top billing on the “Ed Sullivan Show”. Added to this that The Beatles wrote their own music, unheard of in those days, Brian really believed they had a future. 

The play reflects this, and how Brian felt about his boys. There is a scene where This Boy is given a box containing all the rejection letters Brian received when trying to get The Beatles a recording deal. 

“You have a successful record shop Mr Epstein- stick to that”, was one of the most hurtful ones. Any Beatle facts that Brian talks about here are quickly finished by the wonderful This Boy, who knows The Beatles story inside out. He is here to find the real Brian. The drugs, the drink, Lennon’s remarks about him being Jewish, and of course his sexuality. It’s all here in this wonderful play. 

The play doesn’t give you an answer to all the myths, which it shouldn’t. It is a play about Brian, his poor business deals, which at the time seemed good. Who was to know how big The Beatles would become, making these good deals at the time later rob The Beatles of millions of pounds. But hey- this was 1962-63 no one had done deals like this for recording contracts- song writing rights, but Brian did what he thought was right. Brian was a ground breaker for all the acts that would follow and create the British Invasion. 

The play makes you realise how much we have Brian to be thankful for. The British pop artists breaking America, of course, is the main one, without Brian, who knows what the history of pop music would be like today. 

There are flashback scenes where Brian reflects on his childhood and sexuality. The scenes are brilliantly played and make you realise how much pressure Brian must have been under. The requests for interviews, concerts, television, radio, it makes you wonder how he did it all, not just for The Beatles, but his other acts too. 

As well as Lancel, the part of This Boy, played by Will Finlayson is superb. Deep down he is looking for a story, but it is clear he wants to know Brian and at times help him get through those bad times, which is reciprocated by Epstein. 

This is a wonderful play and to end with a standing ovation at a press night says it all. 

Epstein runs at the Leicester Square Theatre, London until September 6th 2014. 

-- Review by Ernie Sutton

Monday 4 August 2014

Beatles expert Candy Leonard announces launch of new Beatleness book, blog and website

Beatles author and speaker - Candy Leonard of Cambridge, MA, is pleased to announce the launch of her new book, website and blog – Beatleness: How the Beatles and Their Fans Remade the World.

Candy Leonard is thrilled to announce that her book, Beatleness: How the Beatles and Their Fans Remade the World (Arcade, August 2014; ISBN 162872417X) has been released in hardcover one month in advance of its original release date.

Beatleness: How the Beatles and Their Fans Remade the World is a fan-centered, sociological look at the Beatles phenomenon and what Leonard refers to as the ‘joyful trauma’ experienced by millions of Fab Four fans. The book is available at Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and can be ordered from any local bookstore.

“The response so far has been great,” Leonard said. “People who’ve read Beatleness are saying they appreciate the fresh approach and are buying it for their kids and grandkids so they can see and feel what it was like to grow up in the sixties with the Beatles on center stage. In a way, Beatleness is a cultural history of the sixties as seen through the lens of Beatle fandom; it’s not just for the hardcore fan.”

Candy Leonard will be debuting Beatleness at the Fest for Beatle Fans in Chicago on August 15-17 where she will be giving presentations throughout the weekend along with greeting fans and signing books.

In conjunction with the release of her book, Leonard has launched her new website www.Beatleness.com, where readers can find an overview of the book, the Beatleness Blog, reviews, news and events, and excerpts from the book.