WEST END REVIEW - Backbeat
By Editor
Backbeat is the story of how The Beatles became The Beatles. In this era of jukebox musicals, Backbeat is a hybrid beast in that it is not really a musical and not really a play either but an amalgam of both.
Focusing heavily on the relationship between then band member Stuart Sutcliffe and John Lennon, Backbeat benefits from the superb cast of young talent assembled to play Sutcliffe and the Beatles. Physical resemblance has been forgone in some cases in favour of not only great musicianship but superb acting.
Nick Blood as Stuart Sutcliffe is hypnotic, his physicality and command of the character make it evident why Lennon had a magnetic attraction to the young artist. Ruta Gedmintas as Astrid Kircherr and Andrew Knott as Lennon complement Blood’s performance perfectly. This is young talent at its best with all the vibrancy needed to portray the heady days of Hamburg in the early 1960’s.
Staging wise, Backbeat is simplicity with reliance on sliding panels, a moving band platform and some brilliantly conceived projections which show some of the real photographs taken by the real Astrid. Think a very British version of Jersey Boys ( just a bit rougher round the edges) and you are close to it.
Backbeat has an enormous cast who are often charged with the task of re-creating the manic attendees at several Hamburg clubs. Ultimately, some of this on stage action detracts from the music. Someone also needs to turn it down a bit as no matter the music style Backbeat is just TOO LOUD!!
Don’t go expecting a catalogue of Beatles songs though as you will be disappointed. Backbeat is the Beatles pre fame and fortune and the writing partnership of Lennon and McCartney only starts coming into its own as the show closes. Still there are more than enough rock classics to keep your toes tapping and a curtain call that will get you on your feet.
Backbeat is worth a look. A tragic story with a silver lining.
Duke Of Yorks Theatre
St Martin’s Lane
London WC2
Running time: 2 hours and 30 mins including interval
Bookings www.atgtickets.com/london
GET INTO LONDON THEATRE LAUNCHES 4TH JAN WITH FREE ENTERTAINMENT
By Editor
To launch Get into London Theatre 2011, award-winning West End performer and finalist of BBC TV talent show ‘Any Dream Will Do’, Daniel Boys will be hosting a free afternoon of theatrical fun from 2.00-5.00pm on Tuesday 4 January 2011 at the Royal Festival Hall.
The Jersey Boys will sing some of the unforgettable songs from their smash-hit show before hot footing it back to the Prince Edward Theatre for their matinee performance; Dance Captain Tim Stanley and the cast will be teaching the finale of the international phenomenon that is MAMMA MIA!; there will be a chance to sing along to everyone’s favourite West End show tunes; the extraordinary cast of Stomp, now celebrating 8 years at the Ambassadors Theatre, will lead a workshop on body percussion; and Resident Director Dominic Shaw and the cast of Legally Blonde - currently wowing audiences at the Savoy Theatre – will give a unique ‘jump rope’ demo.
There will be special performances by the spectacular Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the perfect antidote to the winter blues on stage at the Palace Theatre, the brilliant cast of The Fitzrovia Hour, opening on 11 January at the Trafalgar Studios, will transport you back to the 1940's, and Potted Panto, currently playing at the Vaudeville Theatre, will give everyone a giggle.
Get into London Theatre offers unbelievable ticket deals to nearly 60 London shows until 18 February 2011. Tickets are priced from as little as £10 for a wide choice of musicals, plays, opera, dance and entertainment from Billy Elliot – The Musical and The Woman in Black to The Snowman, La Bohème at the Soho Theatre and English National Ballet’s Romeo And Juliet, and for the first time ever, there are exclusive Get Into London Theatre show and activity packages – see your favourite show, then take part in a special workshop or meet the talent behind London’s hottest productions.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “Hats off to the Society of London Theatre. As well as the packed onstage line up, they've added an exciting programme of activities and events. Get Into London Theatre means you can bag a bargain at a time when people are watching their pennies and is a delightful fillip for the chilly first months of the year. It's a fabulous opportunity to discover why our theatre industry is the envy of the world.”
For more information about Get Into London Theatre visit www.getintolondontheatre.co.uk or ring the Ticket Hotline: 0871 230
1548.
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