A new musical about The Beatles’ early days will receive its world premiere in Liverpool.
‘Shake It Up Baby!, written by local playwright Ian Salmon is set to debut at the Epstein Theatre later this year from September 26 to October 11.
Andrew Schofield will lead the production in the role of the Fab Four’s first manager Allan Williams,fabled as the ‘man who gave the Beatles away’.
The musical takes up the story of the band’s revolutionary trip to Hamburg in August 1960 which set the then five teenage lads on a path to stardom.
It’s a tale of dreamers, visionaries, of sex and drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, love and loss, hope and failure and absolute success.
Director Stephen Fletcher said: “We’re delighted to be bringing this brand-new musical to the newly reopened Epstein Theatre.
“The last time I staged anything here was 10 years ago with the Broadway musical The Last Five Years and Neil Simon’s The Sunshine Boys, but I’ve had an affinity with this venue for many years as my grandad used to test the pianos in Crane’s music shop on this very stage.
“It’s so brilliant to help breathe new life into this historic venue. Shake It Up Baby is an exciting story about The Beatles’ time from Liverpool to Hamburg and on the brink of fame and fortune.
“It’s got some amazing live music which will be performed by an all-Liverpool cast. It’s a story of success, love, fate, but also sadness.
“We hope to take the roof off the theatre and bring a slice of the madness of Hamburg to the streets of Liverpool.”
Tickets are now on sale priced from £22.50. For more details and booking visit the Epstein Theatre website www.epsteintheatre.com