John Lennon role reprised by Cast frontman John Power for Royal Court play, Catherine Jones reports.
John Power is to make his theatrical debut playing John Lennon at the Royal Court.
The La’s bassist and Cast frontman today said he was looking forward to making his theatrical debut as the musical icon at the Royal Court this summer – but had no plans to start a new career as an actor.
He said: ‘I was approached by Kevin Fearon from the Royal Court to play the part and at first I said no.
‘But then something started ticking inside me and I thought ‘life is short, this is an experience and in the future I might regret not doing it‘.
‘Everyone who comes to the show will have their own personal relationship with Lennon anyway, as I have.‘
The 45-year-old, who like Lennon attended Dovedale primary and Quarry Bank schools, added that while he will ‘try to be true to certain mannerisms‘ of the late Beatle, his performance will not be a straight impersonation.
Lennon the play was first written in 1981 by director Bob Eaton and had a successful run at the Everyman, launching Mark McGann’s career, before going to Broadway and the West End.
Eaton will return to helm the latest production alongside musical director Howard Gray and Liverpool-born, New York-based lighting designer Pete Bragg.
Yoko Ono is supporting the show having agreed, along with record company Sony, to the use of all of the music in the production.
Lennon begins over the August bank holiday weekend, which will be the first Liverpool International Music Festival, and the Roe Street theatre is currently in discussions with festival curator and GIT Award judge Yaw Osuwu to see how the play can be a part of it.
Royal Court Liverpool chief executive Kevin Fearon said today: ‘When we produced the show last time I knew that we would bring it back again.
‘The audience response was amazing and the show itself makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.
‘To get John Power is a massive coup and it speaks volumes about the quality of the music and the pull that John Lennon still has over today’s musicians.‘
Lennon is at the Royal Court from August 23 to September 14.
UPDATED:
Watch Power covering Working Class Hero in rehearsals for Lennon below.
Further reading on Getintothis
The La’s review and pictures from Liverpool O2 Academy gig.
The Royal Court: Musical magic relived at Liverpool’s rock and roll theatre – part one.
The Royal Court: Musical magic relived at Liverpool’s rock and roll theatre – part two.
