Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles

This intimate two-hander is set during Epstein's final days before his drug-induced death in 1967 at the age of just 32. Coronation Street's Andrew Lancel  portrays the tortured Epstein, reminiscing over his former glories, while Will Finalson acts as his fictional foil, "This Boy". Directed by Jen Hayes and written by Andrew Sherlock, this inventive, multi-media production recieved plenty of plaudits during its initial run in the Beatles' spiritual home of Liverpool in 2012.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Brian Epstein first encountered The Beatles in The Cavern Club in 1961, and in the following year he became the band's manager. Instrumental in their subsequent rise to superstardom, this led to Paul McCartney later remarking that "f anyone was the fifth Beatle, it was Brian." But despite his always immaculate businessman persona, Brian Epstein had more than his fair share of personal dramas with drugs, gambling and his closeted homosexuality.

Both compelling and comic, this play digs deep beneath the legendary figure to reveal a real human story of addiction and the struggle of homosexuality in a supposedly liberated time. A must-see for fans of riveting drama, as well as, of course, Fab Four devotees.