#daily express

The hunches, astuteness, and charm which steered the Beatles to millionairehood and M.B.E.s are at work again.

For since Epstein engaged America’s Four Tops for his first Saville pop concert in November, his Sunday shows there have been sell-outs.

And business at his first pop-show season is good enough to justify its extension from two weeks to three.

In his private sitting room adjoining his box Epstein, now 32, talked of his 1967 plans.

THE BOYS

This year the public will see him more as a personality in his own right than in the wake of the Beatles.

“I am not belittling my Beatles’ management in any way - l want to continue with their management and see them in their future activities.” he said.

“The boys would want me to do other things successfully. They are interested in this theatre, and have made very valid and intelligent suggestions. At the moment they are working on recording, then comes their third film, and possibly a television spectacular. There are no plans for personal appearances at the moment.

“I want to see Cilla Black as the first international singer in the world, and I am negotiating a film for her. Gerry Marsden has enormous potential, and I will include him in Saville activities.

“And I am still responsible as personal manager to the Fourmost, Sounds Incorporated, Billy J. Kramer and the Remo Four.

EXCITEMENT

“Obviously, though, at this moment, I am centring my activities on my theatre. I want to be in absolute control here.

“My schedule up to March includes artists who cause excitement, in the main, rather than screams: The Who, The Cream, Lee Dorsey, Chuck Berry, Garnet Mimms, Edwin Starr, Fats Domino.

“I’m also including a Ballets Africains season and a Tahitian dance company, and I’m negotiating to present Tom Jones. I’m hoping to give midnight film shows.

“I do not intend taking on a second theatre: I would not like the responsibility. I like my eight hours’ sleep and I don’t want to do all that much. I’m aware that if one does too much, one’s health suffers.

“I have tried to do other things in the theatre, and would still like to direct plays. I did one at the Arts. It was described as one of the most promising flops of the season.