Bestbeat brings Merseybeat to the Unity

You wait for one show starring Pete Best and then two come along together.

The real Best is appearing on stage at the Epstein in (selected performances of) Lennon’s Banjo.

But the Beatles’ former drummer, infamously sacked by the band on the cusp of stardom and replaced by Ringo Starr, is the titular character in Bestbeat, being staged at the Unity from May 3-5.

Francis Duffy’s play is described as “an exhilarating look at how, in 1962, Pete was on the verge of the big time, but his life changed one fateful day and he had to find a reason to carry on.”

Wirral actor Andrew Games plays Best, and the cast also includes Leah Wallace and Faye Caddick, while a live band will play original songs composed by Duffy.

Writer and director Duffy, who also plays rhythm guitar, says: “This city pulsed with music and potential in the 60s. It’s fantastic to be able to tell a Liverpool story in such a wonderful space as the Unity Theatre and give a platform to these brilliant local performers.

“If you want a night at the theatre where you end up dancing in the aisles, then Bestbeat is for you.”

Bestbeat is at the Unity Theatre from May 3-5. Tickets from the website HERE