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Backbeat
Citizens Company
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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
- 9 Feb 2010 to 6 Mar 2010
- View all dates
- 2010-02-09 07:30 PM 2010-02-10 07:30 PM 2010-02-11 07:30 PM 2010-02-12 07:30 PM 2010-02-13 07:30 PM 2010-02-15 07:30 PM 2010-02-16 07:30 PM 2010-02-17 07:30 PM 2010-02-18 07:30 PM 2010-02-19 07:30 PM 2010-02-20 02:30PM 2010-02-20 07:30 PM 2010-02-22 07:30 PM 2010-02-23 07:30 PM 2010-02-24 07:30 PM 2010-02-25 07:30 PM 2010-02-26 07:30 PM 2010-02-27 02:30 PM 2010-02-27 07:30 PM 2010-03-01 07:30 PM 2010-03-02 07:30 PM 2010-03-03 07:30 PM 2010-03-04 07:30 PM 2010-03-05 07:30 PM 2010-03-06 02:30 PM 2010-03-06 07:30 PM Please note this includes Monday performances
Dates
Main Theatre
Running Time
2hrs 35mins
User Rating ★★★★★
Rated: (5/5), based on 43 reviews
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
Annie C ★★★★★
14th February 2010
The best piece of live theatre I've seen - and, being ages with the Beatles, I've seen plenty. All round brilliance, and amazing musical skills from this group of actors. I must see it again!
Gina ★★★★★
13th February 2010
This show was brilliant. My friend and I had a great time. It was really good to see a live band as opposed to people miming which is what we usually get these days. If I can get a ticket I'd go see it again. Go Backbeat!!
Marcus ★★★★★
12th February 2010
Saw the show on Tuesday night on 2nd row dead centre. Fantastic production & thought everyone did a great job & really think that could be a smash on the West End,about time for a Beatles play to do that & how about a production during Beatle Week in Liverpool. Fantastic acting & cannot believe that Isabella who played Astrid so well is not actually German, the characters of the Beatles was just about spot on also. Had a quick chat with Stephen Jeffreys after the show & trying to get the BBFC to review the show on thier web site & in magazine.
Yasmine ★★★★★
12th February 2010
absolutely amazing! would go see it again. acting and singin was brilliant
Amy ★★★★★
11th February 2010
Great show - excellent cast! All very talented and enthusiastic. We had a fabulous night! Well done to all involved.
Jenna ★★★★★
10th February 2010
Saw the show with 3 members of the family, they all loved it. The acting, singing, playing, technical stuff all worked really well. If this was on the West End it would be a smash hit. Well done to the Citizens and everyone involved. I will defo be back. It was fantastic. Young and old had a brilliant time. The acting and music were excellent. Well done all.
SG ★★★★★
9th February 2010
Just got back from seeing the show with my fiancee. We absolutely loved it! A brilliant production that has some amazing talent on show.
jaynec ★★★★★
9th February 2010
Break a Leg All, Candles are Lit, Buddha is Smiling, You will be Brilliant, Can't Wait to come and see Backbeat - Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Pat Preston ★★★★★
9th February 2010
I was lucky enough to see last night's dress rehearsal. Astounding performance by all the cast Excellent Technical skills and stage management. Enjoyed the whole lot, in the words of the age FAB GROOVY and timeless talent. A celebration of times gone by and the talent of today.
@pri_mcfly ★★★★★
1st February 2010
woooooooooooow *-*
Kirsty Clift ★★★★★
19th January 2010
Woo!! Giovanna Falcone is in it!! Go Gi!! =D
jaynec ★★★★★
19th January 2010
They did a great gig on Monday night at the 12 bar in London. The audience loved them... Great to hear Alex Robertson (Stuart Sutcliffe) sing Love me Tender like Stu did to Astrid! Hear they are really all looking forward to coming to Glasgow. jayne
Keri ★★★★★
18th January 2010
This show looks awesome! Very excited to see Andrew Knott as John..been a huge fan of his ever since The History Boys. Rock on, Andrew!!! Hope this show goes well, wish I could be there to see it. Ironically, I'm on vacation in Dublin until February 7th and the 9th (opening?) is the day I start classes, can't really miss the first day! Once again good luck to you all on this awesome show. Long live The Beatles!
Joe Kane ★★★★★
10th November 2009
This is one of my favourite Beatles related films and inspired me loads to start a band and fueled my continued Beatles obsession. I am now in Scotland's top Beatle's tribute show Them Beatles. Maybe we could play at the premier or wrap party? Can't wait to see the show!
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THIERRY SANCHEZ ★★★★★
14th February 2010
My wife and I flew from Brussels to see Backbeat on the 11th and 12th. First I want to address my compliments to the staff of the Citizens Theatre for their exceptional services and professionalism. Great fan of the movie, I have really enjoyed the show and I was amazed by all these Talents and their energy to perform. I wish them all the success they deserve and hope to see it next in the West End.... All the best Thierry Sanchez