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Beatles Play Aiming for West End Premiere?
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Backbeat, the screen-to-stage adaptation of the 1994 film about the early years of The Beatles in Hamburg, could be seeking a West End premiere later this year according to rumours from WhatsonStage. The play was first seen at the Glasgow Citizens Theatre in February 2010 where it was co-directed by Iain Softley, the writer of the original movie. The Story of the Fifth Beatle |
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Set in Hamburg between 1960-62, Backbeat takes up the story of young artist and musician Stuart Sutcliffe, The Beatles' original bass player, and his relationship with best friend John Lennon and the German beatnik photographer Astrid Kirchherr, who he falls in love with. As the group hone their sound in the grimy German clubs, Sutcliffe struggles with his loyalties - torn between the band and his growing feelings for Astrid and his artwork. Sutcliffe eventually left The Beatles, handing over his guitar to Paul McCartney. He died in Hamburg of a brain haemorrhage, aged just 21-years-old. |
A Bold Move from Screen to StageBackbeat was nominated for a BAFTA in 1995 for Best Sound and Best British Film. Actor Ian Hart, who played John Lennon, won an Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Newcomer; whilst writer Iain Softley won Newcomer of the Year at the London Critics Circle Film Awards. The stage adaptation has been described as a ‘bold move’ by critics. The Guardian awarded the Glasgow production 3 stars with praise for the production's portrayal of Sutcliffe’s personal dilemma and the raw potential of The Beatles' early music. Great Jukebox Musical PricesJersey Boys – Tickets from £20! (The award-winning story of Frank Valli and the Four Seasons) Million Dollar Quartet - Tickets from £22.50 (The recording session that made music history) Thriller Live! - Tickets from £30 (The unforgettable tribute to Michael Jackson) |
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