Backbeat
- Date
- Saturday 24th September 2011 - Saturday 24th March 2012
- Place
- Duke of York's Theatre, London
- Tickets
- 0844 871 7623
- Learn More
- http://www.backbeatlondon.com
A musical stage adaptation of Iain Softley's 1994 film opens at the Duke of York's Theatre this autumn.
Charting the rise of the 20th century's most iconic pop group from it's original line-up, the stage adaptation is co-written by Iain Softley and Stephen Jeffreys - after premiering in Glasgow in February 2010, the show is now coming the London.
Backbeat tells the early story of The Beatles, when John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best and Stuart Sutcliffe embarked on their journey from the famous docks of Liverpool to search for success in the seedy red light district of Hamburg.
The compelling triangular relationship between the band's original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe, the striking German photographer Astrid Kirchherr whom he fell in love with, and his best friend John Lennon, became an intrinsic part of The Beatles' story – and put them on an unstoppable trajectory onto the world stage.
Classic Beatle's songs including ‘Twist & Shout’, ‘Rock & Roll Music’, ‘Long Tall Sally’ ‘Please Mr Postman’ and ‘Money’ will be performed live on stage.
Producer Karl Sydow said: “Backbeat at the Duke Of York Theatre will allow people the experience of being at the birth of the Beatles. It tells a story that many music fans may not know, set to a musical backdrop that absolutely defined the early 60s. Next year will mark 50 years since the Beatles released their first single, and I am proud to be bringing their early days to life in the West End.”
Award-winning director David Leveaux joins the cast of Nick Blood (Stuart Sutcliffe), Andrew Knott (John Lennon), Ruta Gedmintas (Astrid Kirchherr), Daniel Healy (Paul Mccartney), William Payne (George Harrison), Oliver Bennett (Pete Best), Adam Sopp (Tony Sheridan / Ringo Starr), Dominic Rouse (Klaus Voorman), Ben Fox (Arthur Ballard / Bert Kaempfert) and James Wallace (George Martin). Musical direction is by Paul Stacey.
Vintage Seekers has a pair of tickets for Backbeat to give away to readers. For a chance to win, simply follow this link to our facebook page and tell us what your all-time favourite Beatles track is...
(One pair of tickets for performances 24 Sept - 15 Oct only. Tickets are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be offered. Winning tickets will be reserved for collection at theatre Box Office.)
