Actor named for lead role in Liverpool play about Beatles manager

 

Andrew Lancel (picture by Matt Ford)

 

The producers of “Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles,” which will open in Liverpool later this year announced Monday they have chosen the actor for the lead role in the production.
TV and film actor Andrew Lancel will play Brian Epstein in the world premiere play about the legendary music manager, which opens Nov. 15 in Liverpool's Epstein Theatre newly renamed for the Beatles' manager.
The Lancashire-born Lancel most recently played Frank Foster in ITV’s “Coronation Street” and has also had roles in ITV’s “The Bill” as DI Neil Manson, Channel 4’s “Queer as Folk” as Harvey Black and BBC1’s “Cardiac Arrest.” as Dr Andrew Collin.
In addition to his TV career, Andrew Lancel has also starred in numerous plays and musicals throughout Britain including as Alan Strang in “Equus,” Motel Kamzoil in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Andrew in “Certain Young Men” and Worthy in “The Recruiting Officer.”
“As a Beatles fan it’s a daunting but hugely exciting challenge to be playing Brian Epstein and I was very honored to be asked,” the actor said. “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.”
The search for an actor to play Epstein was announced in May.
“Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles,” part of the official program of Liverpool’s 50th Anniversary of The Beatles, is being presented as part of Liverpool’s established annual Homotopia international arts festival and the first major production at the newly refurbished Epstein Theatre, formerly The Neptune.
The multimedia play charts Brian Epstein’s adult life and illustrious career from his drama school days to managing the Beatles. A second actor, yet to be announced, will play a fictional character called ‘This Boy’ and provide a musical element.
Production partners for the show include the Cavern, the Beatles Story, the Hard Day's Night Hotel, Magical Mystery Tour, Fab Cabs Beatles Tours, Annexe Inc and the Liverpool Echo.

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