The next best thing to seeing The Beatles live, this show is a triumph and a joy for any fan
Obviously, I never got to see The Beatles live. I’m sure very few, if any, of the audience tonight did, since they split up in 1970. But I feel being present at this performance was the closest I’ll ever get: it was a truly special night leaving me uplifted and inspired.
An optional pre-show meal was served at your cabaret-style table in the stalls. It was a charming and quirky setting for a delicious meal as we settled into our seats waiting for the show to begin, and a playlist of 60s music set the scene for a night to remember.
As soon as the curtain rose, we were put at ease and I felt immediately confident I was going to enjoy myself. The show was of course mainly music, but it followed the story of Lennon and McCartney as they wrote songs together and their styles developed. Tom Connor and Mark Newnham were the perfect Paul and John. Tom particularly looked strikingly like Paul McCartney, but their voices were both very accurate to the iconic sounds. Their acting, singing and playing of multiple instruments was incredible and they were magnetic to watch. They were accompanied by four other musicians who also played with energy and charisma. It was so interesting and very cleverly written, intertwining the stories with the songs and using the set and backing screen to set the scene.
As the youngest person in the audience by quite a long way, I probably have a different perspective of The Beatles to everyone else. However, it struck me that regardless, we all grew up listening to this music. It’s a true testament to the quality of the band.
The double standing ovation was highly deserved. I watched my fellow audience members enthralled, holding their torches aloft and swaying, singing along and clapping and knew they too had been transported back in time. I can’t commend the musicians enough. They were not only extremely well-rehearsed so the whole thing was seamless, but also talented enough to showcase Lennon and McCartney’s abilities as musicians. I would also like to praise the sound and lighting which were both on point.
At the interval, we were served our desserts, which was another layer to the high standard of the evening. If you attend, please do sample the African doughnuts or chocolate orange bread and butter pudding.
I particularly enjoyed the storytelling element throughout; it was engaging but the bulk of it was music, meaning they were able to perform many of the iconic songs including ‘Yesterday’, ‘Come Together’, ‘Let it Be’ and ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand’. There was a part I loved where they sang in three European languages to show the fanbase spreading, but for me, the stand-out moment was ‘Hey Jude’. The whole audience were as one, singing out loud, celebrating the groundbreaking music of Lennon and McCartney, here in their hometown of Liverpool.