This production, from Old Fruit Jar Productions in association with The Hope Street Theatre, revisits February 1964 when Beatlemania was at its height. It explores the close connection forged between John Lennon and Brian Epstein and gives us a glimpse into their relationship. But is it conjecture or fact? Whilst the events depicted in the play are fictional, writer, Alex King, asserts that they are rooted in well-documented historical context and extensive research into the lives, personalities and cultural circumstances surrounding both men. This speculative piece has Jordan Barclay cast as John Lennon and Joseph Winder as manger/mentor Brian Epstein, both encapsulate their characters superbly.
As the audience arrived, Beatles tracks
from 1960’s albums played helping get everyone in the mood for the piece. The set is constant, depicting the hotel
bedroom in the Plaza Hotel, New York where Lennon and Epstein were staying
during a Beatles tour of the USA. Background screams from fans outside the
hotel could be heard throughout the piece and at one point Lennon is terrified upon
hearing a loud bang, thinking it’s a gun shot, but it turns out to be a car
backfiring, epitomising his fatal demise some years later.
Brian Epstein had taken a leap of
faith by deciding to manage the new pop sensation, The Beatles after seeing
them play at Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club. Much has been speculated about the
relationship between Lennon and Epstein, a covert homosexual who had a secret life
of promiscuity with men away from the respectable world of music shop owner and
rock and roll band management. It must be noted that homosexuality at this time
was illegal and in the early 1960’s homosexuality was widely stigmatised and
criminalised across most of the world. In many countries, same-sex
relationships were deemed immoral, illegal, and a threat to societal norms. Not
long after Epstein’s death, homosexuality was decriminalised.
When Lennon finds himself
unexpectedly alone with Epstein at the Plaza Hotel, New York untold emotions and
fears spill out from Lennon and Epstein is there to comfort and motivate him. Their
close bond is portrayed and Epstein’s attraction for Lennon is evident. With
sexual tension and an emotional narrative this production is a moving
insightful tribute to both men caught up in a world of drugs, alcohol, fame and
new experiences far from the everyday life they once were used to and knew.
The show is 1 hour in length without
an interval.
For tickets see https://hopestreettheatre.com/whats-on/
Production runs from 25th
– 29th August 2026
Reviewer: Anne Pritchard
On: 26th August 2026
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