So our own Andrew Lancel has been announced as the man who will play Epstein, and it certainly has the potential to be an exceptionally good piece of casting. Of course! Look at that logo. The resemblance is there for all to see.

 

Lancel, who most recently played Frank Foster in Coronation Street and is also known for roles in The Bill, Queer as Folk and Cardiac Arrest, is to take the lead in two-hander Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, a new show about the life of Brian Epstein, at the new Epstein Theatre.

 

It’s about as subtle as a brick in the face so far, but the production, written by Andrew Sherlock, has credentials. Part of the official programme of Liverpool’s 50th anniversary of The Beatles, it is a highlight of Homotopia and the first major production at the newly refurbished theatre. It runs from November 15 until December 1.

 

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.”

 

Jen Heyes, co-creator and director of the show said: “I am so pleased that Andrew Lancel has accepted the part. The casting process was a long and considered one as befits this iconic role and I can think of no one better to play Brian than Andrew – a professional Liverpool actor who has become a household name, with a fantastic and varied body of work under his belt. We had a responsibility to find the right actor for this role and I am extremely excited to have Andrew on board, I know he will do Brian justice and he even has a resemblance to him which is an added bonus.”