First stage play about the life of Beatles manager Brian Epstein to receive Wirral premiere during new season at the Gladstone Theatre

Aug 22 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

THE first stage play about the life of Beatles manager Brian Epstein will receive its Wirral premiere during a new season of entertainment at the Gladstone Theatre.

The first performance of Love Me Do! The Brian Epstein Story will take place at the Port Sunlight theatre on Saturday, October 27.

The line-up for the coming months includes musicals, variety, sport and Shakespeare.

And a season at the Gladstone wouldn’t be complete without audience favourites Billy and Wally, who return on Sunday, October 14, with their Pop Legends & Laughter Show.

Comedian Stan Boardman is also a firm favourite with Gladstone audiences, and he will be back on Saturday, October 20. His musical Wag – A Musical will be performed in November.

During the summer recess, theatre staff have been busy replacing stage curtaining and improving lighting in the auditorium.

The Gladstone Seat Endowment Scheme has also been completed, having raised £23,500.

The theatre’s Alan Davies said: “It has been spent on

improvements for the benefit of audience and performers.

“At the rear of the auditorium, we have erected display boards commemorating the names of all individuals and businesses who have participated in the scheme.”

The new season opens on September 1 with a concert by the City of Chester Male Voice Choir, featuring young counter-tenor Keiron Connor Valentine.

All Nations Theatrical Society will present Shakespeare’s Othello from September 6 to 8, followed by bittersweet comedy Duets from September 19, courtesy of Bebington Dramatic Society.

The play is the first of two this season for the society, which will also perform drama mystery Disposing of the Body in November.

Other local groups represented this season include Hoylake and West Kirby Theatre Group with musical Footloose in September, Wirral Gospel Partnership and Birkenhead Operatic Society.

Resident theatre group the Port Sunlight Players will perform Calendar Girls in October and Christmas pantomime King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in December.

Other festive shows are Christmas Crackers from the Barbara Johnston Stage School and the Houghton Weavers at Christmas.

The year will close with the Bill Shankly Story on Friday, December 28 – featuring Kop heroes Ian St John, Ian Callaghan, Chris Lawler and Ron Yeats live on stage.

Tickets for all new shows are available to buy now. Call the box office on 643 8757 or go to www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk