Shake It Up Baby! – New Beatles Musical Premieres This Autumn at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre

Shake It Up Baby! – New Beatles Musical Premieres This Autumn at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre

13-06-25

A brand-new musical exploring The Beatles’ pivotal early years in Hamburg will receive its world premiere this September at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre.

Shake It Up Baby! is written by Liverpool playwright Ian Salmon, whose previous hit Girls Don’t Play Guitars won acclaim for its bold storytelling and authentic local voice. The production will run from 26 September to 11 October, as part of the Epstein’s first full autumn season since reopening.

At the heart of the show is the story of how five Liverpool teenagers left home in 1960, jumped in a van, and headed to what was then the most dangerous city in Europe. What followed were the Hamburg years — a blur of late-night sets, rough clubs, raw talent and relentless gigging — that shaped The Beatles into the band that would go on to change music forever.

Leading the cast is Liverpool stage favourite Andrew Schofield as Allan Williams, the Beatles’ first manager. The show is directed by Stephen Fletcher, who returns to the Epstein a decade after his last production there, bringing with him a deep connection to the theatre and the city’s musical legacy.

Featuring a cast of Liverpool actor-musicians, Shake It Up Baby! captures the sound and spirit of the period through the American rock and roll classics that defined the band’s early setlists. Audiences can expect songs performed live, echoing the energy of legendary venues like the Indra, Kaiserkeller and Star Club in Hamburg, alongside the Cavern Club and Litherland Town Hall in Liverpool.

This is a story of ambition, chaos, music, and transformation. It’s about how the roughest group in Liverpool became the biggest band the world has ever seen.

The creative team includes Olivier Award-nominated musical director George Francis, with sound design by Kate Harvey and lighting by Ciaran Cunningham. The production is produced by Scott Millaney of Shake It Up Baby Ltd, whose credits include groundbreaking music videos for artists such as David Bowie, Tina Turner and Elton John.

Stephen Fletcher said: “Shake It Up Baby is an exciting story about the Beatles’ time from Liverpool to Hamburg and on the brink of fame and fortune. It’s got amazing live music performed by an all-Liverpool cast and it tells a story not just of success, but of love, loss, risk and resilience.”

The Epstein Theatre, a Grade II listed venue, reopened in April after a two-year closure. Its new management team is committed to reviving its legacy as a home for local talent and major touring productions. The full autumn season will be launched with a special gala event on 19 September, marking Brian Epstein’s birthday.

Shake It Up Baby! promises to offer audiences a fresh perspective on a legendary chapter in music history — one that’s often mentioned but rarely explored in full.

For more information and booking, visit the official site HERE.