Beatles Biopic Recreates Historic Port Sunlight Performance

A scene from a new biographical film about The Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, recreated a moment in the band’s history by filming in the village hall where Ringo Starr first performed with the group. The film, titled Midas Man, utilized various locations across Merseyside, notably Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight, where Starr joined the band for a performance just two days after the dismissal of drummer Pete Best. Jacob Fortune-Lloyd portrays Epstein in the recently released movie, depicting the manager credited with orchestrating The Beatles’ ascent to international fame. Joe Stephenson directed the film, which also included filming in Blackpool, London, and Los Angeles. This film’s release coincides with the launch of a new campaign by VisitLiverpool and Liverpool Film Office, named ‘Liverpool, The Ultimate Setting’. This initiative highlights the city region’s extensive cinematic heritage and its standing as a prominent filming location and film tourism destination. Mike Ward, the chief commercial officer for Port Sunlight Village Trust, commented on the 2021 filming, stating it “must have been like stepping back in time to that evening when The Beatles and Brian Epstein arrived to Hulme Hall, just on the cusp of taking over the world.” David Thomas, a visitor born in Port Sunlight, was present during the filming. He had attended the original 1962 concert, having previously seen the band for the first time at The Cavern Club a few weeks prior, when Best was still the drummer and the group had recently concluded their residency in Hamburg. Epstein dismissed Best on 16 August 1962, following a request from the other three band members. This decision came after their initial recording session on 6 June, during which producer George Martin had voiced concerns regarding Best’s drumming. The dismissal of Best provoked anger among local fans in Liverpool. Nevertheless, just two days later, Starr assumed the role of drummer as The Beatles were scheduled to perform at Hulme Hall, currently an events venue, for the Port Sunlight Horticultural Society’s annual dance. Mr. Thomas recounted, “I couldn’t believe the difference. Their appearance was so different, wearing smart suits… I was so impressed with Ringo’s excellent drumming.” He also stated, “I remember seeing their new manager, Brian Epstein, standing to the right of the stage in a dark overcoat.” The concert in Port Sunlight marked a period of significant personal and professional transition for the band. John Lennon married Cynthia Powell at the Liverpool Registry Office five days following the Hulme Hall concert. Less than two months later, on 5 October, the band’s debut single, Love Me Do, entered the music charts. One year subsequent to this, their first major hit, She Loves You, was released, initiating Beatlemania and guaranteeing they would no longer perform in venues such as Hulme Hall.