Interview: Arthur Wilson on starring in PLEASE PLEASE ME at Kiln Theatre
The world premiere of Tom Wright's new play Please Please Me is about to open at the Kiln Theatre, telling the electrifying story of the hidden struggles of Brian Epstein, the influential manager often referred to as the Fifth Beatle. We spoke to Arthur Wilson, who plays the characters of Geoffrey and Harry, to find out more.
How has your experience working on Please Please Me been so far?
So far, so very good! Rehearsals have been a lot of fun and very playful, and everyone seems to be really enjoying themselves. It’s great to be working on a new play and creating it for the first time.
Why do you think Brian's story feels so relevant today?
I think stories showing the trappings of success, and the pressures that come with fame and notoriety, feel very contemporary. But it’s clearly a human story, because this was Brian’s world back in the 1960s. And unfortunately, the hurdles he has to overcome relating to his identity and how others perceive him, are still very present today.
Can you tell us a little about your characters Geoffrey and Harry?
Geoffrey is an old school friend of Brian’s. He’s a solutions guy; very practical and across the detail. He’s not one for big emotional gestures, but he has a deep respect of Brian and all he has achieved.
Harry is Brian’s dad. Brian’s world (and generation) is totally baffling to him. He wants the best for his son, but doesn’t really understand him.
How have you prepared for the roles?
Geoffrey Ellis wrote a book about managing the Beatles, which has been helpful not just in content, but also the style in which he wrote. It gave me an idea as to how he spoke and communicated. Aside from that kind of research, it’s just been about working with the great script that Tom Wright has written and trying things out in the rehearsal room!
What do you hope audiences will take away from Please Please Me?
I hope it really brings to life that very particular period of time in recent history. I hope audiences connect with Brian’s incredible story and appreciate what an extraordinary and unique person he was.
Finally, what's your favourite Beatles song?
That’s not easy! I’d say probably ‘A Day in the Life’, but very closely followed by ‘Eleanor Rigby’, ‘Let it Be’ and ‘Blackbird’.
Please Please Me plays at London’s Kiln Theatre from 16 April - 29 May, with further info here.
