The La's John Power to play Lennon in Royal Court season of revivals
More fun news from the Royal Court, as it was announced yesterday that John Power, he of Scousepop legends The La's and Cast, will be taking on the role of John Lennon in a revival of Bob Eaton's play Lennon.The theatre announced its next three productions, all comprised of old favourites, starting with Ladies Day (June 14 to July 13), a comedy by Amanda Whittington which will be Ken Alexander’s first show as artistic director, and tells the story of a group of workmates hitting the racetrack for a day of fun, fizz and fine fillies – something that is sure to resonate with Liverpool audiences.Speaking of which, following that will be Nicky Allt’s One Night in Istanbul, which revisits Liverpool FC’s 2005 Champions League win and returns to the city for the first time since 2010, from July 19 to August 17. The show has already been watched by over 55,000 people and a film version is soon to be released.Finally, Bob Eaton’s Lennon returns, from August 13 to September 14. It also had a hugely successful run in 2010, with Andrew Schofield in the title role. This time it will be John Power taking on the role of the Beatles legend.Packed with the music of Lennon and McCartney, more than 40 hit songs drive the show from beginning to end, including All You Need Is Love, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, In My Life, Hard Day’s Night and Imagine.Power will be taking on the role of the older Lennon, who acts as the show’s narrator. Growing up near Penny Lane, Power went to the same schools as Lennon (Dovedale and Quarry Bank) before becoming a key member of the band The La’s (best known for the classic There She Goes). He then went on to form Cast who had huge Britpop success with hits such as Alright, Sandstorm and Walkaway. The band split in 2001 but recently reformed and released a fifth album, Troubled Times last year.The show begins over August Bank Holiday Weekend which will tie in with the first Liverpool International Music Festival (the new alternative to the cancelled Mathew Street Festival). The Royal Court is currently in discussions with curator Yaw Osuwu to see how Lennon can be a part of the festival.Tickets and information for all productions are available from www.royalcourtliverpool.com or on 0870 787 1866. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX9TDQcCyVE
