West End and Broadway Beatles hit LET IT BE to re-launch Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre

West End and Broadway Beatles hit LET IT BE to re-launch Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre

The International hit show that celebrates the music of The Beatles is coming to their hometown later this year to mark the official re-launch of the multi-million pound refurbishment of the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool.  Direct from London’s West End, LET IT BE will run for 5½ weeks from Thursday 8 October – Saturday 14 November 2015. The opening is also set to coincide with John Lennon’s 75th birthday which falls on Friday 9th October.

The smash hit show that established itself as one of the West End’s most popular shows when the production originally opened at the Prince of Wales Theatre in September 2012, where it recouped its initial investment after just 18 weeks before transferring for a year-long run at the Savoy Theatre from January 2013 – February 2014.  The show has recently returned to the West End for an 8 month run at the Garrick Theatre.

Seen by over 1 million people worldwide, LET IT BE continues to delight audiences across the globe, having recently performed to audiences in Germany, Japan, Moscow, and France.  LET IT BE showcases the music of the world’s most successful rock ‘n’ roll band, in a spectacular concert charting the band’s meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club, through the height of Beatlemania, to their later studio masterpieces. 

The show is packed with over forty of The Beatles’ greatest hits including: Twist and Shout, She Loves You and Drive My Car, as well as global mega-hits Yesterday, Hey Jude, Come Together and, of course, Let It Be.  Travel back to the magical sixties when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends!

The music defined a generation, captured the hearts and ideals of millions, and now you can relive the memories in the city where it all began as Annerin Productions bring LET IT BE to Liverpool.

Jeff Parry from Annerin Productions said: “I could not have dreamed as a nine year old living in Canada, having received my first Beatles album that I would be producing a show about the band in their hometown 51 years later.   Destiny has some strange coincidences.  

“Having been a Beatles fan since a young age I studied the origins of the Beatles and Liverpool.   I have visited Liverpool many times, most recently when "LET IT BE" played at the Empire Theatre.   I was overwhelmed with the Liverpudlians show of support and thanks to me for being part of the creation of the West End show.   To say the least, "LET IT BE" is helping to keep the music of the Beatles alive throughout the world and I am honoured to be bringing the show back to Liverpool.”

The show will officially launch the completion of a £2.8m refurbishment of the Royal Court.  This will give audiences the chance to see the new foyer, box office, circle bar and terrace.  There will also be improved access with a lift to all floors.

Kevin Fearon, Chief Executive of Royal Court Liverpool, added: “We announce some 8 or so shows each year but none has been so exciting or as important for the Royal Court as LET IT BE. This autumn we will complete Phase 2 of our refurbishment works and I can't think of a better show to mark this with.  Our exciting building works have been a key part in attracting LET IT BE to play for 5 weeks in Liverpool - the first time this has happened outside of a capital city.  LET IT BE marks a step up for Liverpool's Royal Court and the future looks very exciting.”

Tickets Sale to Group Bookers on Monday 23rd March at 10am.

Public Sale opens Monday 30th March at 10am.

www.LetItBeLive.com

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

LET IT BE – A Celebration Of The Music Of The Beatles

Royal Court Liverpool

Thursday, 8 October – Saturday, 14 November, 2015

Tue - Fri Evening Performances: 8pm, Sat and Sun Mat 2pm and Sun 7pm.

Tickets: From £21 - £31 (Inc £1 theatre restoration levy)

Preview performances: All seats £20 (8-11 Oct)

Group Rates: 20+ Tickets - All seats £20 (Tue-Fri Evenings)

To book tickets call Royal Court Liverpool on 0151 709 4321, online at www.royalcourtliverpool.com or in person at the Royal Court Box Office from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.  (Booking and handling fees may apply)

Tickets can also be purchased from TicketQuarter on 0844 8000 410 online at www.ticketquarter.co.uk or in person at Queen Square, Liverpool City Centre. (Booking and handling fees may apply)

Iggy Azalea joins Beatles in US chart records

International rap siren Iggy Azalea made chart history yesterday joining The Beatles as the only two acts to have ever hit the #1 and #2 spots simultaneously with their first two Billboard Hot 100 hits in the US.

Iggy’s single ‘Fancy feat Charli XCX’ hit #1 in the Hot 100 chart yesterday while Ariana Grande’s single ‘Problem feat Iggy Azalea’ moved into #2 making it the biggest selling debut single of the year currently at #1 on the iTunes chart in 57 countries and the fastest selling single since Katy’s Perry’s, ‘Roar’.

Iggy has also rewritten female rap history with ‘Fancy’ being the second song by a solo lead female rap artist to have topped the Hot 100 Chart since Lauryn Hill in 1990 with ‘Doo Wop (That Thing)’.

‘Fancy’ has sold nearly 2 million copies globally, is the most streamed track ever on US Spotify and has soared to #1 in the Official charts in the US, Canada, New Zealand, top 5 in the UK and top 10 in Australia.

Iggy’s internationally critically acclaimed debut album ‘The New Classic’ hit #1 in 19 countries worldwide and top 10 in a further 44 markets, in the US reaching #3 in the official chart, #1 Rap and #1 R&B/Hip-hop album charts, #2 in Canada and Australia, #3 in New Zealand and top 5 in the UK.

This year Iggy was nominated for ‘Best Australian Act’ and ‘Best MTV Push Act’ at the MTV Europe Music Awards following her nominations for ‘Artist to Watch’ at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2013.

Inside Abbey Road: The Best Studio In The World¹ talks in Studio Two in March 2013

“More than a few fans said they equated the visit to a religious experience” Time Magazine

“Abbey Road Studios could be the nearest thing this city has to a holy place, and for many coming here it’s not a day out, it's a pilgrimage” The Quietus

“Abbey Road has led the way, pioneered and inspired, and this event proves how pivotal Abbey Road Studios is to the music we love” The Londonist

·     Visit Abbey Road Studios’ legendary Studio Two - home to iconic recordings by The Beatles, Adele, Pink Floyd, Oasis and Kate Bush 

·     Fascinating new talks on Abbey Road Studios from the authors of acclaimed book ‘Recording the Beatles’ 

·     New lectures, featuring favourites from the last series plus fresh content, including:

·     Film score sync demonstration - showing how sound and vision come together for a movie

·     Vintage 4 track mixing console and tape machine demonstration

·     Demonstration of the Studios’ famous echo chamber

·      Rare and unseen photographs, films and recordings from the archives of EMI and Abbey Road Studios

·      Exhibition of vintage recording equipment - see up-close some of the instruments, microphones, and studio equipment that continue to be used to create landmark recordings

·     Official photo opportunity

Following the glowing critical and public response to the series of unique events held at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios earlier this year, we are pleased to announce ‘Inside Abbey Road: The Best Studio In The World’ - a new series of talks to be held in the famous Studio Two during March 2013.

Brian Kehew and Kevin Ryan (authors of the critically acclaimed, definitive book ‘Recording the Beatles’), will give their second series of fascinating and enjoyable talks on Abbey Road Studios’ rich history and continued success at the forefront of today’s music.

Anyone who missed the rare opportunity to visit the world’s most famous recording studios and enjoy the inspiring talks last time now has another chance. Plus, for those lucky enough to have attended last time, this next instalment features brand new content alongside the most popular elements of the last series.

Kehew and Ryan’s talk will explore the studios’ decades of landmark recordings, celebrating the technology and sonic creativity that lead to epoch-defining music from fêted artists such as Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Adele and of course, The Beatles.

With over 20 years of research into EMI history, they have uncovered many secrets of the Studios and have worked with Abbey Road to preserve and illuminate the Studios' immense history and ongoing legacy. The talks will explore the history and the present day action at Abbey Road Studios with rare archive photos, film and audio, showing changes to the studio and equipment. They will illustrate Abbey Road Studios’ long progression through all kinds of music, from classical to rock and beyond, plus the methods used to record in each style/period.

These events will also give more focus to the more recent hits recorded, mixed and mastered at the studios, and artists who currently use the studios to create new and innovative music. They will also explore the studios’ rich experience in film scoring and even demonstrate how sound and images are synched for some of the biggest movies ever made such as ‘Star Wars’, ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Lord of the Rings’ ‘The King's Speech’, ‘Prometheus’ and the new Bond film ‘Skyfall,’

If all that wasn’t enough, Brian and Kevin will bring the authentic, classic sound of the past to life with demonstration of a vintage 4 track mixing console and tape machine, as well as the Studios’ legendary echo chamber - used on countless classic recordings. The popular display of original instruments, microphones, and studio hardware used to create classic tracks at Abbey Road, will be making a welcome return.
Visitors will be allowed early entrance with time to explore and take photographs in the famous Studio Two, where seminal acts like The Beatles, Oasis, The Hollies, The Shadows, Pink Floyd and Kate Bush recorded epoch-defining music. More recently, Elbow recorded their theme for the 2012 Olympics in this legendary studio and artists such as Brian Wilson, Paul Simon, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Ryan Adams, Laura Marling and Feist laid down performances for the ‘Live From Abbey Road’ television show.

Brian Kehew, co-author of 'Recording the Beatles', is a record producer, engineer and musician. He has worked with The Who, Fiona Apple, Air, Rod Stewart, Talking Heads, Aretha Franklin, and Black Sabbath.
Kevin Ryan, co-author of ‘Recording the Beatles’ is a Houston-based producer, arranger and composer. He is also a talented graphic designer and video/film artist.

‘Inside Abbey Road’ events schedule:

Friday 8th March
Session 1: doors open 2pm / event starts 3pm
Session 2: doors open 7pm / event starts 8pm

Saturday 9th March
Session 1: doors open 10am / event starts 11am
Session 2: doors open 3pm / event starts 4pm

Sunday 10th March
Session 1: doors open 10am / event starts 11am
Session 2: doors open 3pm / event starts 4pm

Friday 15th March
Session 1: doors open 2pm / event starts 3pm
Session 2: doors open 7pm / event starts 8pm

Saturday 16th March
Session 1: doors open 10am / event starts 11am
Session 2: doors open 3pm / event starts 4pm

Sunday 17th March
Session 1: doors open 10am / event starts 11am
Session 2: doors open 3pm / event starts 4pm

Tickets on sale now / £80 / http://www.seetickets.com/tour/abbey-road-studios/

Address: Abbey Road Studios, 3 Abbey Road, London, NW8 9AY

Epstein - A New Play About The Man Who Made The Beatles

Bill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions Ltd

Present

EPSTEIN

Created by Jen Heyes &  Andrew Sherlock

(Sponsored by Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors)

A new play about the man who made The Beatles

A brand new play about one of Liverpool’s favourite sons and one of the world’s most successful music entrepreneurs is to premiere in Liverpool, in a year that celebrates 50 years since The Beatles came together and will be the first major production at the new Epstein Theatre. Students who have taken online college classes in
music may want to check out this production.

EPSTEIN is a long-awaited theatrical production celebrating the life of former Beatles manager Brian Epstein.  It is a one man multi-media play with live music, created by Jen Heyes and Andrew Sherlock, written by Andrew Sherlock, directed by Jen Heyes and runs from 15 November to 1 December 2012.

Brian Epstein was best known as a music entrepreneur and legendary manager of The Beatles and was the person responsible for their rise to mega-stardom all over the world. He also managed other popular artists such as Gerry & The Pacemakers, Billy J Kramer, The Foremost, The Dakotas and Cilla Black. 

Brian Epstein recalled meeting The Beatles: "I hadn't had anything to do with management of pop artists before that day that I went down to the Cavern Club and heard the Beatles playing... I was immediately struck by their music, their beat, and their sense of humour on stage - and even afterwards when I met them I was struck again by their personal charm. And it was there, that really, it all started."

Brian Epstein’s short life was crammed with success and controversy; he was an intelligent man whose prescience, taste, vision and passion left a lifelong impact on the world.  Born in Liverpool in 1934 to Jewish descent, he spent his early adult years working for the family business NEMS (North End Music Stores) before being drafted into the Royal Army Service Corps, after a brief stint in London joining RADA and living a more openly gay life he returned to Liverpool to manage the new NEMS city centre music store making it one of the biggest in the North. Not long after was the historic lunchtime visit to the famous Cavern Club to hear four Liverpool lads perform and the rest was history.  Brian had a passion for classical music and theatre and even leased the Saville Theatre in London.  Immense rapid success, busy schedules and constant touring took its toll on Brian and depression and recreational drugs set-in.  Brian Epstein died of a sleeping pill overdose in August 1967, he was aged just 32.  His death was immediately felt, while the Beatles continued to make magnificent music, their business affairs rapidly crumbled and by 1970 it was all over.

EPSTEIN is brought to you by the newly formed Bill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions Ltd (Tales from Haunted Liverpool, Tales From Charles Dickens), written by Andrew Sherlock (Wall Talks and The Shankly Show) and directed by Jen Heyes (Blood Wedding, I love Vinegar Vera and Wall Talks).

Co-Producer Bill Elms said “This production has been two years in the planning and it’s now time for Brian’s story to be told on stage, especially being the first main production at The Epstein Theatre and in the 50^th anniversary year of the Beatles. EPSTEIN will be a celebration and an education of one of Liverpool’s favourite sons. ”

Co-Producer and Director Jen Heyes added “EPSTEIN will transport our audiences back to the swinging sixties, a time when Liverpool was bursting with the Merseybeat, it’s a musical and visual journey through Brian’s life and told by the man himself.  As a director it has been exciting and creative to work with the brilliant writer Andrew Sherlock again, Andrew possesses a real skill for writing plays that bring to life strong, enigmatic characters  from the past by recreating the world in which they lived. ” 

Dave Pichilingi, CEO at The Epstein Theatre said “We are delighted to be hosting the world premiere of EPSTEIN (The Play).  Central to our core values at Epstein Theatre is delivering new and exciting work from creative and innovative writers and artists.  This fits our vision perfectly.  A piece of work that focuses on the story of Brian Epstein is long overdue.  We are proud to be the host and what better home than in the theatre where his journey began.”

The search is now on to find the finest actor to perform the role of Brian Epstein and auditions will also be held for a musician to perform many of the hits from bands/artists managed by Brian.

EPSTEIN is sponsored by Gregory Abrams Davidson solicitors (Matthew Street and Penny Lane) and generously supported by The Cavern.

LISTING INFORMATION

EPSTEIN

The Epstein Theatre

Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DY

Thu 15 November – Sat 1 December 2012

Preview Performances: 15-17 November 2012

Thu and Sat Matinees:  2.30pm | Mon – Sat Evenings: 7.30pm

Ticket Prices: £10-£24 (Concessions Available)

Tickets on Sale: Friday 24 February at 9am.

How to Book:

Box Office: 0844 8000 400* Online at www.echoarena.com*

or in person at the Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool*

*Subject to booking fee. 

Paul McCartney Announces Two Special Homecoming Shows

Have A Wonderful Christmas Time With Macca

Paul McCartney Announces Two Special Homecoming Shows

Saturday December 18^th – Live at the Apollo

HMV Apollo, Hammersmith, London

Monday December 20^th – Live at the Academy

O2 Academy, Liverpool

Tickets go on sale Wednesday December 8^th at 10am.

Tickets limited to four tickets per person.

National 24hr ticket hotline 08442 48 50 77 or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk

December 7^th 2010

Following a year of massive international-headline-grabbing sellout stadium shows, Paul McCartney today announces he will bring 2010 to a close with two very special intimate and personal homecoming shows. Paul and his band are planning two spectacular nights of celebrating and rock n’ roll in London and Liverpool to end the year on a massive high just as they did with their only UK show of 2009 last December at London’s O2 Arena.

The first of these two concerts will see Paul return to London’s Hammersmith Apollo for his first full solo show there in 35 years, his last appearance being with Wings in September 1975; Paul first appeared there with The Beatles on December 24^th, 1964 for The Beatles Christmas Show. The second concert will see Paul return to his roots as he travels home to Liverpool to play the 02 Academy for the first time in his unrivalled career. Paul’s last appearance in Liverpool was in June 2008 at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium as part of the cities celebration for their year as European Capital of Culture.

Speaking about the forthcoming shows Paul said:

“I always love playing to a home audience and for me it’s the perfect way to end the year. We’ve had great fun with the stadium shows this year and we’re looking forward to the more intimate vibe of these ones. Christmas is the perfect excuse for everyone to let their hair down and rock out. We are looking forward to celebrating with the good people of London and Liverpool”.

2010 has been another whirlwind of a year for Paul McCartney and if you thought he’d had done it all before, you’d be wrong! 2010 saw many career firsts for music’s most treasured icon including rocking The White House in front of President Barack Obama and his family in June when Paul was awarded with the prestigious Gershwin Prize For Popular Song (he was the first ever UK recipient). In January Paul announced plans for his all new ‘Up and Coming Tour’ which has taken Paul across America, the UK, Canada and more recently South America, breaking box office records along the way and winning incredible reviews from both fans and media. On Paul’s recent South American tour fans set up makeshift ‘McCartney Villages’ outside the stadiums in order to get themselves at the front of the crowds when the venues opened.

Paul played a handful of shows to quarter of a million people in the UK and Ireland this summer when his ‘Up and Coming Tour’ came to Dublin’s RDS, Glasgow’s Hampden Park, the Isle of Wight Festival, Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and London’s Hyde Park.

Paul’s end of year shows will feature a typically diverse set list, drawing on nearly three hours of the world’s most loved music. Paul’s concert will include songs spanning his entire career, from The Beatles, Wings, solo material and tracks from The Fireman’s 2008 album ‘Electric Arguments’.

McCartney’s live shows have reached a new level of status in recent years, garnering unprecedented reviews from fans and critics alike. He’s pushed boundaries, performed to millions and made global news with monumental shows including performances in Moscow’s Red Square, outside of the Coliseum in Rome, the largest outdoor show ever in the Ukraine, his first performance in Tel Aviv, a live performance transmitted to a NASA space station, first ever festival appearances at Glastonbury and Coachella, traffic stopping roof top performances in New York, the inaugural run of shows at New York’s CitiField Stadium, the site of the former Shea Stadium where The Beatles played the 1965 concert that set the precedent for the modern-day stadium rock show, rocking The White House and the list goes on!

www.paulmccartney.com

Full ticket details:

Saturday December 18^th – Live at the Apollo

HMV Apollo, Hammersmith, London

Tickets priced: stalls standing £60.00; circle reserved seat £125.00 & £100.00; rear circle standing £50.00

London 24hr ticket hotline 08432 21 01 00

Monday December 20^th – Live at the Academy

O2 Academy, Liverpool

Tickets priced: standing £50.00

National 24hr ticket hotline 08442 48 50 77 or online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Tickets limited to four tickets per person and are subject to booking fees.

For further information on Hot Sound packages contact 08444 72 52 25

LENNON REMEMBERED - The life and works - Echo Arena

Celebrating the Life and Works of John Lennon 9/10/40 – 9/12/80



Friends and artists unite to remember Liverpool’s most famous son.



Friends and artists who worked with the late, great John Lennon will come together for the first time in a historic memorial concert to commemorate 30 years since his untimely death. The one off concert entitled ‘LENNON REMEMBERED – The 9 Faces of John’ is being held at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Thursday 9th December at 8pm. It will present artists and friends who span the whole life and career of the ex-Beatle from Liverpool to New York.



The CMP Entertainment and Cavern Club production will focus on the significance that Lennon believed the number 9 had on his life. It will see 9 periods of John’s life represented by those who were there, including John’s first band The Quarrymen, the Beatles fellow Hamburg musician and lead vocalist on ‘My Bonnie’ Tony Sheridan, art school friend and editor of Mersey Beat Bill Harry and Beatles Press Officer, close friend and ex CEO of Apple Tony Bramwell. Also appearing are Joey Molland, guitarist with Apple signed Badfinger who played on Lennon’s Imagine, Grammy award winning sound engineer Dennis Ferrante who worked on a plethora of Lennon’s albums during his New York years, as well as Liverpool born actor Mark McGann who is famed for his honest and powerful portrayal of John both on stage and film. He will present a special performance of his award winning stage show, John Lennon – In My Life.



Co-event organiser and Cavern Club owner Bill Heckle says “Anyone who loves the music of John Lennon and The Beatles should not miss this night. You will be witnessing history with contributions from those who helped John create it.”



With more very special guests to be announced, one artist who will be stepping up to the stage to perform and share anecdotes on the night is Plastic Ono Band member Alan White who played drums on Lennon’s classic hits including ‘Instant Karma’ and ‘Imagine’.



Alan White says “working with John was truly one of the highpoints of my career. The world lost not only an amazing musician but a great man when he died and I’m honoured to be involved in such a fitting tribute to a dear friend.”



And if that wasn’t enough – US Beatles artist Shannon and artist to Hollywood stars has been drafted in to produce an exclusive piece of art entitled ‘The Nine Faces of John’. The professionally crafted piece will be used in the show to depict the stages of John’s life from Liverpool to his final days in New York.



Profits from the entire night are going to local charities Alder Hey Imagine Appeal, Radio City’s Cash For Kids and the Mathew Street Festival.



John’s sister Julia Lennon says “John would be very proud that the concert was bringing together so many of his friends and colleagues. I am delighted that ‘Lennon Remembered’ is such an historic and relevant tribute to my brother’s life and career. It’s wonderful that the proceeds for such a celebration can also give a little back to the city that he loved.”



Director of “LENNON REMEMBERED” Jon Keats said “We are pleased to be announcing the first guests for Lennon Remembered. Talks are ongoing with many more of John’s friends and fellow musicians so watch this space as it promises to be a memorable evening.”



PERFORMANCE DETAILS



LENNON REMEMBERED - The Nine Faces of John

Liverpool Echo Arena

Thursday 9 December,

Doors open 6:30pm, show starts 8pm.

Tickets: £27.50 (plus a limited number of higher priced gold circle tickets)

A limited number of Gold Circle tickets and VIP tickets are available. For VIP packages, including food, beverages and after-show hospitality please contact Jan Owen (0151 708 6050 / 07932 763107 janowen@cmplive.com)



LENNON REMEMBERED tickets are on sale now from:

Echo Arena (0844 8000 400) www.echoarena.com

Ticketmaster (0844 844 0444) www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Ticketline (0151 256 5555) www.ticketline.co.uk

See Tickets (0871 220 0260) www.seetickets.com

Gigantic (0115 959 7908) www.gigantic.com