World Premiere Of Shake It Up Baby! To Celebrate The Beatles’ Hamburg Years At Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, experience the electrifying world premiere of Shake It Up Baby!, a vibrant musical celebrating The Beatles’ Hamburg years, at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre from September 26 to October 11, 2025!

Shake It Up Baby!

Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre is gearing up for the world premiere of Shake It Up Baby!, a dynamic new musical by acclaimed local playwright Ian Salmon. Running from September 26 to October 11, 2025, this production delves into the transformative Hamburg years of The Beatles, offering a fresh perspective on their journey from a scrappy Liverpool band to global icons. Tickets, starting at £22.50, are now on sale for what promises to be a thrilling celebration of music, ambition, and history.

The musical boasts a talented ensemble led by Liverpool theatre legend Andrew Schofield, who will portray Allan Williams, The Beatles’ first manager. Schofield, known for originating the Narrator role in Blood Brothers and appearing in productions like Lennon and Brick Up the Mersey Tunnels, brings his extensive stage and screen experience to the role.

Joining him are rising actor-musicians, including Michael Hawkins as John Lennon, whose credits include The Peaceful Hour and Cilla; Guy Freeman as Paul McCartney, with roles in The Commitments and Girls Don’t Play Guitars; and James Jackson as George Harrison, a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) graduate and seasoned singer-songwriter. Nick Sheedy takes on the dual roles of Pete Best and Ringo Starr, drawing on his experience as a drummer and actor in shows like Bestbeat.

The cast is completed by Kieran Andrew as Stuart Sutcliffe and Brian Epstein, Andrew Copperthwaite as Lord Woodbine and others, Grace Galloway as Rosi and Astrid, Connor Simkins in multiple roles including George Martin and Bruno Koschmider, and Jess Smith as Beryl, Bettina, and Ringo’s mother. This ensemble of Liverpool-born performers brings authenticity and energy to the production, reflecting the city’s deep connection to The Beatles’ legacy.

The Beatles’ Hamburg Story Reimagined

Set in August 1960, Shake It Up Baby! follows five young Liverpudlians—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best, and Stuart Sutcliffe—as they pile into a van and head to Hamburg, a city known for its danger and debauchery. Unbeknownst to them, this journey would lay the foundation for their meteoric rise. The musical captures the gritty, exhilarating atmosphere of Hamburg’s nightlife, where The Beatles honed their craft in iconic venues like the Indra, Kaiserkeller, and Star Club, while also performing at Liverpool’s Cavern and Litherland Town Hall.

Through a vibrant soundtrack of American rock ‘n’ roll classics, the production explores the dreams, struggles, and triumphs that shaped The Beatles into the greatest band in history. It’s a story of visionaries navigating love, loss, hope, failure, and ultimate success, offering audiences a new lens on a familiar tale.

A Creative Team with Stellar Credentials

Directed by Stephen Fletcher, a LIPA-trained director with credits including Shirley Valentine and A Thong for Europe at Liverpool’s Royal Court, Shake It Up Baby! is backed by a top-tier creative team. Olivier Award-nominated dance consultant Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, known for her work on Six and The Cher Show, collaborates with Olivier Award-nominated arranger and musical director George Francis, whose credits include Hadestown and Amelie. Set and costume design is handled by Alfie Heywood, with sound design by Kate Harvey, associate design by Christopher McCourt, and musical associate James Breckon contributing to the production’s polished vision.

Lead producer Scott Millaney, co-founder of MGMM Studios, brings his expertise from over 1,500 music videos for global stars like Elton John, Tina Turner, and Queen, as well as documentaries like No Hamburg, No Beatles. The production team is rounded out by Charles Ledigo, Roger Appleton, and Beatles historian David Bedford, ensuring historical accuracy and creative flair.

A Historic Venue Reborn

The Epstein Theatre, a Grade II listed landmark on Hanover Street, is the perfect setting for this world premiere. Originally opened in 1915 as the Crane Concert Hall, the venue has a rich history of hosting local talent and national tours. After a two-year closure and a £1 million refurbishment, the 388-seat theatre reopened in April 2025 under new management by Theatrical Times Ltd, with JSM Company Group Ltd as leaseholders. Its mahogany-paneled auditorium, adorned with Grecian friezes and composer busts, adds a touch of grandeur to the production.

To mark its autumn season, the Epstein Theatre will host a Gala Night on September 19, 2025—Brian Epstein’s birthday—featuring local acts and celebrities, celebrating the venue’s role as a hub for Liverpool’s cultural scene.

A Must-See for Beatles Fans and Beyond

Shake It Up Baby! promises to deliver a high-energy, heartfelt portrayal of The Beatles’ early years, blending rock ‘n’ roll classics with a narrative of ambition and transformation. Director Stephen Fletcher has expressed excitement about the cast’s talent and the opportunity to bring Salmon’s story to life, emphasizing the production’s commitment to “mach schau” (making a show) as Hamburg club owner Bruno Koschmider famously demanded. Epstein Theatre general manager Anthony Proctor echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the pride in staging this premiere and showcasing Liverpool’s exceptional performers.

With its stellar cast, visionary creative team, and historic venue, Shake It Up Baby! is poised to captivate audiences, offering a fresh take on The Beatles’ origin story that resonates with fans and newcomers alike.

Find Shake It Up Baby! now:

Date: Friday 26 September – Saturday 11 October 2025

Time: 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Tickets: From £22.50

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

Book online at www.epsteintheatre.com

Book in person at the box office from Thursday-Sunday, 2-6pm

Box office also opens one hour before a performance

Group bookings (10+) and access line 07824 945722 (Thurs-Sun, 2-6pm)

Follow the Epstein Theatre on social media channels:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre

Instagram: @epsteintheatre

TikTok: @epsteintheatre