Shake It Up Baby!, a new musical exploring the band’s formative years in Hamburg, will make its world premiere at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre later this month.
To get into character, the cast recently visited the Liverpool Beatles Museum, home to one of the world’s largest Beatles collections.
(Image: David Munn) The museum features memorabilia from the group’s early days, including Pete Best’s drum kit and a guitar played by George Harrison during their time in Hamburg.
The cast, dressed in classic Beatles style, drew attention from crowds of fans on Mathew Street during their visit.
Shake It Up Baby! runs at the Epstein Theatre from September 26 to October 11.
The show is written by playwright Ian Salmon and stars Liverpool actor Andrew Schofield as the band’s first manager, Allan Williams.
Michael Hawkins plays John Lennon, Guy Freeman is Paul McCartney, James Jackson takes on George Harrison, and Nick Sheedy appears as both Pete Best and Ringo Starr.
The cast also includes Kieran Andrew, Andrew Copperthwaite, Grace Galloway, Connor Simkins and Jess Smith.
(Image: David Munn) Mr Hawkins said: “I’ve played John Lennon twice before – the first time at the Unity Theatre and then on tour in Cilla the Musical.
“When it comes to research for Shake It Up Baby!
“I’ve been watching a lot of footage from as far back as I can find, just to help me try and replicate his voice and personality.”
Mr Freeman said: “I feel like I’ve come full circle with this role.
(Image: David Munn) “My dad played Paul McCartney in a tribute band called Sgt Pepper’s Only Dart Board Band for 20 years, and I’d spend summers in Germany and touring Europe.
“Now he’ll be coming to see me on stage at the Epstein.”
The Epstein Theatre, which reopened in April after a two-year closure, will launch its full autumn programme on September 19—Brian Epstein’s birthday—with a gala night of local talent and special guests.
Tickets for Shake It Up Baby! start at £22.50.
Bookings can be made via the Epstein Theatre website.