\n Shake It Up Baby!, a new musical exploring the band\u2019s formative years in Hamburg, will make its world premiere at Liverpool\u2019s Epstein Theatre later this month.\n<\/p>\n
\n To get into character, the cast recently visited the Liverpool Beatles Museum, home to one of the world\u2019s largest Beatles collections.\n<\/p>\n
\n (Image: David Munn) The museum features memorabilia from the group\u2019s early days, including Pete Best\u2019s drum kit and a guitar played by George Harrison during their time in Hamburg.\n<\/p>\n
\n The cast, dressed in classic Beatles style, drew attention from crowds of fans on Mathew Street during their visit.\n<\/p>\n
\n Shake It Up Baby! runs at the Epstein Theatre from September 26 to October 11.\n<\/p>\n
\n The show is written by playwright Ian Salmon and stars Liverpool actor Andrew Schofield as the band\u2019s first manager, Allan Williams.\n<\/p>\n
\n 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.\n<\/p>\n
\n The cast also includes Kieran Andrew, Andrew Copperthwaite, Grace Galloway, Connor Simkins and Jess Smith.\n<\/p>\n
\n (Image: David Munn) Mr Hawkins said: “I\u2019ve played John Lennon twice before \u2013 the first time at the Unity Theatre and then on tour in Cilla the Musical.\n<\/p>\n
\n “When it comes to research for Shake It Up Baby!\n<\/p>\n
\n “I\u2019ve 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.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Mr Freeman said: “I feel like I\u2019ve come full circle with this role.\n<\/p>\n
\n (Image: David Munn) “My dad played Paul McCartney in a tribute band called Sgt Pepper\u2019s Only Dart Board Band for 20 years, and I\u2019d spend summers in Germany and touring Europe.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Now he\u2019ll be coming to see me on stage at the Epstein.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The Epstein Theatre, which reopened in April after a two-year closure, will launch its full autumn programme on September 19\u2014Brian Epstein\u2019s birthday\u2014with a gala night of local talent and special guests.\n<\/p>\n
\n Tickets for Shake It Up Baby! start at \u00a322.50.\n<\/p>\n