A week in the life of Cilla's Andrew Lancel

Andrew Lancel has just returned to the role of Brian Epstein in the touring production Cilla – The Musical, visiting venues across the UK over the next year. He previously performed in the same role in the stage play Epstein – The Man Who Made The Beatles.

As the show continues, we got a glimpse into his life as an actor, Everton fan and, in the last few weeks, father to a newborn daughter.

The musical, which has been written by Jeff Pope and stars Kara Lily Hayworth in the lead role, has the cast performing the Merseybeat sound. It follows the story of Cilla's life from Liverpudlian teenager to one of the best-loved entertainers in the country.

New starts, new shows

AL: "Isaac has just started year five and I love to be able to do the school run if I'm close to home – quite a lot of Cilla dates are!"

Another performance with a lorra lorra laughs

AL: "And that's another happy show done. Bowled over with the reactions in Liverpool. With my AMAZING and lovely colleagues Kara and Carl. A joy being on stage with them"

Nil satis nisi optimum

AL: "The first time I played Epstein in Epstein: the Man who made the Beatles, my co star Will Finlason gave me my Everton sign and it's been on every dressing room door since (to the approval of my wonderful boss and Everton chairman Bill Kenwright!)."

On home turf for the performance

AL: "In my Liverpool home – opening Cilla couldn't have been anywhere else. And I love being home in this great city."

Relaxing with man's best friend…

AL: "No day is complete without a good long walk with my best buddy Olly."

…and the latest addition to the family

AL: "Our routines have happily changed A LOT these last few weeks with the birth of our daughter Freya on August 20th. So thrilled. She is utterly gorgeous. In awe of her and my wife Louise."

Not just a character, also an idol

AL: "It's an honour to be playing Brian Epstein again. I carry some favourite snaps of him with me to have Eppy close to hand."

A well-earned celebration

AL: "Our opening night was like nothing I had experienced – a star was born in our incredible Cilla – the incomparable Kara Lily Hayworth!"

Cilla – The Musical will run at the Liverpool Empire from 7 to 16 September, then tours to Edinburgh (19 to 23 Sept), Milton Keynes (26 to 30 Sept), Southampton (3 to 7 Oct), Birmingham (10 to 14 Oct), Blackpool (17 to 21 Oct), Cardiff (31 Oct to 4 Nov), Wimbledon (7 to 11 Nov), Stoke (14 to 18 Nov) and Manchester (21 to 25 Nov).

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