THE seminal Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's album has been painstakingly recreated note-for-note by an Oxford band for a series of specially created shows.

Across five nights this week, the Oxford Beatles tribute act are performing the album in full, 50 years after it was first released.

An Oxford writer has also penned an original play, which will be staged alongside the musical performances.

Wayne T Brown's story focuses on the last few months in the life of the band's manager, Brian Epstein, who died shortly after the album’s release in 1967.

Helen Taylor, of ElevenOne Theatre, is directing the performance in collaboration with the band.

The idea was born from a desire to celebrate the anniversary but do more than just play the songs, according to Mrs Taylor.

She said: "It is a unique combination of theatre and live music in a way that is not a musical – it's breaking new ground.

"It is such a seminal album, everybody knows it, it's so uplifting to hear these songs live."

Epstein discovered The Beatles in 1961 and was one of the primary architects of their rise to stardom.

By 1967 he had lost control of the band and was beset with personal problems including spiralling drug use, depressive episodes and a torrid romantic life, framed by his clandestine sexuality, at a time when being gay remained illegal.

He died from an accidental overdose aged 32.

Mrs Taylor said: "He was a very interesting character – a mover and shaker in the industry but also quite shy and insecure.

"It's a story that not many people will have heard before and one we thought leant itself to being told on stage."

The Wolvercote resident said that everyone has gone 'above and beyond' to make the production a success, with Wayne Brown spending many weeks researching and making trips to Liverpool whilst he wrote the script.

Oxford Beatles have worked for months to ensure their renditions are as good a reproduction as possible.

Band members are being joined by a 10-piece orchestra and Indian classical musicians to recreate the authentic sound of the album.

The sold-out Sgt Pepper Show started at the Simpkins Lee Theatre, Lady Margaret Hall on Tuesday with performances every night at 8pm until Saturday.