THE original Beatles drummer is set to appear on stage playing himself in a new theatre show.

Pete Best, who was a member of the band until 1962, when he was replaced by Ringo Starr, will appear in the comedy production Lennon’s Banjo, in Liverpool next year.

The show is based on the novel Julia’s Banjo by Rob Fennah and Helen A Jones.

Best, 76, said: “I read the novel Julia’s Banjo some years ago and thought it was a great mix of fact and fiction with regards to the Beatles and the elusive banjo.

“When speaking to Rob Fennah about the book becoming a stage play, I said in passing ‘I should play me!’ And here I am.”