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Backbeat
The world premiere of an exciting new stage version of one of the UK’s best-loved cult British films.
“He had to choose between his best friends, the woman he loved and the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world”
Backbeat is the story of the fifth Beatle, Stuart Sutcliffe (the band’s original bassist), and the two most important people in his life: John Lennon and Astrid Kirchherr.
Re-imagined for the stage by the original writer and director of the acclaimed 1994 film, Iain Softley. This new production of Backbeat is a passionate and vivid portrayal of a love story born out of the famous summer when The Beatles made their name in the city of Hamburg.
Inseparable friends, John and Stuart, become entwined in a fiery triangular relationship as Stuart falls madly in love with Astrid. John forces Stuart to choose between his deep loyalty for John, a future with the greatest band in history or following his heart and pursuing a life as an artist with the woman of his dreams.
Receiving its world premiere here at the Citizens, this is an unmissable opportunity to see a play with live music about the early years of one of the most iconic bands in history.
Cast includes: Isabella Calthorpe, Andrew Knott and Alex Robertson. For full cast list, production credits and biogs click here.
Recommended for 15+ due to strong language and adult content.
Based on the Universal Pictures film
Writer Iain Softley with Stephen Jeffreys
Director Iain Softley
Producer Karl Sydow
Main Theatre
Previews 09.02.10, 10.02.10 & 11.02.10
Audio Described 18.02.10
Signed 25.02.10
Captioned 24.02.10
Wheelchair Access
Guide Dogs welcome
Induction Loop
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AN ARCHIVE ENTRY. THIS SHOW IS NO LONGER ON SALE.
Watch more videos on YouTube
Click play to see slideshow. See more photos on Flickr.
Read Backbeat blog posts.
Comments
ANNE KANEEN ★★★★★
26th November 2010
I SAW BACKBEAT AT THE CITIZENS TWICE & THOUGHT IT WAS EXCELLENT IN EVERY WAY, FROM THE CAST, THEIR PLAYING OF THE MUSIC, THE PORTRAYAL OF THE STORY WAS VERY MOVING. IF I COULD HAVE GONE MORE THAN TWICE, I WOULD HAVE. I AM VERY INTERESTED TO FIND OUT IF THE PLAY IS TOURING AND IF SO WHERE & WILL THEY BE IN LIVERPOOL.
rosemary paton ★★★★★
10th March 2010
YEAH YEAH YEAH, WHAT A FAB SHOW!! ALL THE CHARACTERS WERE OUTSTANDING, (REALLY LOVED GEORGE)Took my sis along sat pm, and we came out feeling great, wish we could have stayed for the final performance. this show will be a smash hit. well done everyone. notice a comment from Mr Kane of Them Beatles' tribute band,can I just say to Beatles fans YOU MUST SEE THEM!!! they are FAB!!!!
Barrington ★★★★★
7th March 2010
Fantastic show. Great acting, singing and playing (sod what the picky musician says!) with a clever set. Must tour. Must be a West End hit. Well done all at the Citz. I'll have to come back to Glasgow now!
Maggie ★★★★★
7th March 2010
ooops, didn't see the star rating option...5! 5! 5!
Maggie Mulligan ★★★★★
7th March 2010
Saw Backbeat twice with my old school pals and wanted to see it a third or fourth time. The perfect ending for me was being in a Glasgow nightclub on 6th March for a 40th birthday party and there on the dance floor was the whole cast celebrating the last night of the show! I spoke to 'Stuart', 'George' and 'Paul'. Glad to say they were all lovely lads and very patient with this Beatles-mad 50-something rock chick. Good Luck guys, you were magic.
Helen H ★★★★★
6th March 2010
Saw this last night in the Citzs - wonderful! Will recommend this show to others. As for the comments from the 'musician' - get a life! The Hamburg days reflect an inexperienced, hard working band who dabbled in drugs, in reality I doubt very much that they were 'tight'. Thank goodness they developed into what they became. Also they play was about a love triangle, maybe you missed the point.
Judith ★★★★★
5th March 2010
Thank you and congratulations to all involved. This child of the sixties had tears in her eyes and a huge smile on her face. I had a hairs rising on the back of the neck moment when Stu re-appeared and Astrid told John that Stu would always be there.
Kirsty Fraser ★★★★★
4th March 2010
I went to see the shows Wednesday 4th March performance and i absolutely loved it. Fantastic cast, especially Andrew Knott playing Lennon. I can't recommend this show highly enough and not just to Beatles fans... it's a great show for everyone. Funny,exciting and poignant, everyone was up on their feet by the end. Fantastic.
Emily ★★★★★
4th March 2010
LOVED IT !! was such an amazing show and i would definitley go and see it again !
Betty McKay ★★★★★
4th March 2010
Saw the show last night and loved every minute.Music, acting and atmosphere were fantastic.Not been to the Citizen's for a long time I'd forgotten how magical it is.
gerry semple ★★★★★
3rd March 2010
well done citizen theatre well done cast and back stage for an excelent portral of stuart and the band
Maria ★★★★★
3rd March 2010
My friend and I saw this performance on the 16th Feb and we both loved it. The performance was touching and energetic. Deserves to be a West End smash!
Rhona McGeoch ★★★★★
3rd March 2010
I saw the show last night and was absolutely blown away. The cast were superb, the music, everything was just brilliant. Best thing Ive seen in a long time! I loved dancing along at the end, cheers.
william degnan ★★★★★
3rd March 2010
Brill my wife and I went for a second time last night the whole production was out standing.My son and his partner went on Friday and have talked about in non stop since.many thanks to all involved.
Rhona Arosi ★★★★★
2nd March 2010
Saw Backbeat last night and it was truly FAB! The design of the set blew my mind, so clever and visually enthralling. The entire show was amazing, thoroughly enjoyable two hours of theatre, everyone involved in the production should be proud of themselves......what to see it again and again!
Andrew Reilly ★★★★★
2nd March 2010
Tremendous show, really enjoyed it from start to finish. Great performances from all involved. http://coldbloodedclarity.co.uk/backbeat-a-fab-hit-in-the-citizens/
Tom Warrington ★★★★★
2nd March 2010
Thanks to all concerned for a great evening's entertainment (on Monday 1 March). The staging and individual performances were exemplary and even knowing the ending didn't detract from the power of the drama as it unfolded. Kudos to the 'band' also - anyone who comes along expecting the slick perfectionism of a tribute act should stick with the Bootleg Beatles. To these eyes and ears, the musical numbers were delivered with all the raucous energy and enthusiasm that I'm sure typified the Fab Five's Hamburg days and, as such, were absolutely on the money. If you haven't seen this show yet and can still find a ticket, don't hesistate.
paula hunter ★★★★★
1st March 2010
Really enjoyed the show, a good mix of acting and music! Well worth a watch
Ian Punton ★★★★★
1st March 2010
What a great night, lucky Glasgow to get the show before the rest of the UK. Acting was to a high calibre and music very good as well.Young enthusiastic cast, enjoyed the encore with the dancing usual Glasgow crowd all on their feet! Mixed age audience but listening to the commenst all enjoyed very much. have told my friends and relations how good it was and they can't wait for it to appear in London/South East.
Leave Your Comments
Hannah and Alan White ★★★★★
3rd December 2011
OUTSTANDING! Such a brilliant show! Actors and Actresses are world class! GO THE BEATLES! Thank you Backbeat for coming to Glasgow last year, would see it a million times a day! Thank you!