A New Perspective on Brian Epstein, with Tom Wright, author of 'Please Please Me'

In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Wright to discuss his new play Please Please Me, which brings the story of Brian Epstein to the stage at London’s Kiln Theatre.

The play explores Epstein’s life beyond his role as the Beatles’ manager, focusing on the tension between his public success and private reality. In 1960s Britain, homosexuality was illegal—a fact that shaped nearly every aspect of Epstein’s life. While he was orchestrating the Beatles’ rise with precision and ambition, much of his personal life remained hidden, constrained by the limits of the time.

The episode also touches on Epstein’s complex relationship with John Lennon, including the much-discussed 1963 trip the two took to Spain—an episode that continues to invite speculation about its meaning and impact.

Tom Wright, currently Artistic Director of Leeds Playhouse, has built his career developing new work across the UK theatre scene, with previous roles at Kiln Theatre and The Old Vic. His writing often explores identity and the queer experience, which informs his approach to telling Epstein’s story on stage.

In our conversation, we discuss what drew Wright to Brian Epstein, how his own experience shaped his perspective, and the challenges of portraying a figure whose public and private lives were so deeply at odds.

Please Please Me runs from April 22-May 29 at the Kiln Theatre, London.

Learn more and buy tickets here
Can't make it to London? Read the play!

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