Funny, soulful, and powered by rock ’n’ roll swagger, Shake It Up Baby! is a thrilling start to the Epstein’s new era
The cast of Shake It Up Baby! playing at The Epstein Theatre(Image: David Munn)
Liverpool’s newly refurbished Epstein Theatre opened its doors with an explosion of energy, nostalgia, and raw Scouse spirit as Shake It Up Baby! made its world premiere last week (Tuesday September 30).
Written by Ian Salmon and directed by Stephen Fletcher, this vibrant new musical dives headfirst into the formative years of The Beatles — back when they were just five scruffy lads with borrowed guitars, a head full of dreams, and no idea how much the world was about to change.
I say ‘five lads’ because this chapter of The Beatles’ story includes Stuart Sutcliffe and his early involvement with the band before his tragic and untimely death in 1962.
At the heart of the story is Allan Williams, “the man who gave The Beatles away,” portrayed with warmth, wit, and weary charm by Andrew Schofield. Schofield’s Williams is not merely a footnote in Beatles history but a living, breathing force — part father figure, part hustler, part visionary.
Through his eyes, the audience watches the band’s chaotic, exhilarating journey from Liverpool’s backstreets to the neon-soaked clubs of Hamburg.
The cast of Shake It Up Baby! playing at The Epstein Theatre(Image: David Munn)
Salmon’s script balances humour, heart, and historical insight. It’s peppered with the brash optimism of youth and the bittersweet hindsight of a man who knows how close he came to being part of the legend. The dialogue crackles and the play’s rhythm, much like the music that inspired it, never misses a beat.
The show’s real magic, however, lies in its music. Rather than leaning on Beatles hits, Shake It Up Baby! takes audiences back to the band’s roots, the raucous, sweaty rock ’n’ roll of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley. The live band delivers blistering renditions of classics that once echoed through the Indra, Kaiserkeller, and Top Ten clubs, capturing the rawness and rebellion of a band still finding its sound.
Each song feels earned, not a tribute act’s imitation, but a celebration of the music that made The Beatles become The Beatles. The set-pieces are also electric as the stage is constantly transformed into raw, ready dance rhythms that compel the audience to immerse themselves in the action.
Fletcher’s direction is tight and dynamic, making full use of the Epstein’s intimate space. The staging is clever but unfussy, with quick transitions that transport the audience from the Casbah Coffee Club to the smoky chaos of Hamburg nightlife. Lighting and sound design evoke the electric atmosphere of the 1960s without slipping into caricature or cliché.
There’s an undeniable poignancy in seeing this story unfold in Liverpool, the city that gave birth to the band and still beats to their rhythm. The Epstein Theatre itself — freshly re-opened and gleaming with renewed life — feels like the perfect venue for a production about rebirth and the courage to dream.
The cast of Shake It Up Baby! playing at The Epstein Theatre(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Ultimately, Shake It Up Baby! is more than a Beatles story. It’s a love letter to youthful ambition, to those who dare to chase something bigger, and to the dreamers — like Allan Williams — who make greatness possible, even if they don’t get to share in its glory.
Indeed one of the play’s most powerful moments is when Williams recognises his own ambition and what he wanted to do with The Beatles’ before ‘losing them. Reflecting angrily on that loss he screams: “I wanted more!”
This moment is an emotional nod to what must have been a bitter blow for Williams to come to terms with. However, as they action unfolds, we see Williams come to terms with that ‘loss’ and witness an eventual reconciliation.
Funny, soulful, and powered by rock ’n’ roll swagger, Shake It Up Baby! is a thrilling start to the Epstein’s new era. It reminds us that every legend begins somewhere, usually with someone willing to take a chance.
Shake It Up Baby! is on at The Epstein Theatre and runs until Saturday October 11. You can book tickets HERE.