Blue Plaque celebrates the life of Beatles' manager Brian Epstein

Former Coronation Street actor Andrew Lancel has unveiled a Blue Plaque to celebrate the life of Beatles manager, Brian Epstein.

The Southport actor is due to resume his role Brian in the play Epstein: The Man Who Made the Beatles, when the production opens in London’s West End at the end of July.

The Heritage Foundation Blue Plaque was unveiled at Sutherland House, at 5/6 Argyll Street, next door to the London Palladium.

The property was the base of Epstein's company NEMS Enterprises, which occupied offices on the fifth floor of the building from the height of Beatlemania in 1964 until shortly after his death in August 1967 at the age of 32.

Also at the ceremony yesterday were actress Vicki Michelle, President of the Heritage Foundation, and Geoffrey Ellis, who became Chief Executive Administrator of NEMS Enterprises Ltd and was based in the building from 1964 to 1967.

In a message to the event's organisers, Sir Paul McCartney said: "I know Brian would have been very proud to think that he had earned a Blue Plaque in the West End of London.

"He played a very important role in guiding the career of us Beatles and more than that he was a lovely man whose friendship we all valued and who I will always remember with great fondness. Congratulations Brian. Love from Paul McCartney."

Lancel said “I am truly honoured to have been part of the official party to unveil a prestigious Blue Plaque in Brian’s honour.

"Brian was a pioneer who worked tirelessly for his artists, and what he achieved was remarkable.

"It is very fitting there is now a permanent reminder to recognise his contribution to the world music scene."