I’m going to be frank- The Beatles are not on my playlist. As a scouser, growing up I was sick of the sight of them, and that was in the 90s! I can, however, appreciate what they did for music, for Liverpool and the legacy they continue to achieve. That being said, 2014’s ITV drama Cilla gave an insight into Brian Epstein, manager of The Beatles from 1961-1967, piqued my interest and left me yearning for more details about the man often referred to as “the fifth Beatle”.

In Old Fruit Jar Productions’, Of All These Friends and Lovers, it’s 1964, The Plaza Hotel, New York City. Beatlemania has taken over the world, and John Lennon finds himself alone with Epstein in his hotel room. What follows over the next hour is a speculative two-hander from writer and director Alex King, that gives audiences an insight into the personalities and circumstances around the pair’s much talked about relationship.

King has a style in his original works that you can’t help but feel safe in. He lures you in with naturalistic dialogue, keeps your attention in directing commanding performances and, just when you’re relaxing into the moment, he hits you with scenes that are poignant, powerful and at times devastating. Although the narrative is suppositional, King astutely weaves historical accuracy into the plot that are paradoxical or even premonitory at times: from Epstein hypocritically advising Lennon to hide his personal life from the world- something he himself is struggling with- to Lennon’s fear following JFK’s assassination around gun violence, a foreshadow of his untimely demise in 1980, less than a mile away over Central Park.

Joseph Winder embodies Brian Epstein. Winder, through King’s superb writing, shows the pressures Epstein faced in a time where not only was being homosexual illegal but regularly being tormented for being a “queer jew”- a title Lennon suggested should be the name of his autobiography. Jordan Barkley as Lennon shows the complexity of his personality, and perhaps his curiosities- something frequently speculated on due to their close relationship. Barkley gives a layered performance and, with Winder, brings an intensity that frequently leaves you baited for breath. If anything, more time for stillness could be further utilised, here- to further allow moments to sit and ruminate with the audience. When a stare, or a closeness is allowed to breathe between the pair, this is when the production is at its peak.

As a reviewer and indeed a lover of the arts, it can be difficult to find the time to view all the theatre you want to, but with Old Fruit Jar Productions, we make it imperative to fit it in. It’s a guaranteed evening of excellent writing, nuanced performances and a compelling narrative that impacts into the journey home and beyond.

For further information on upcoming productions from Old Fruit Jar Productions, visit their website here.

Tickets received in exchange for an honest review. #AD

Photography courtesy of the production.