BACKBEAT
Backbeat was an award-winning 1994 British film about the early years of the Beatles. There is now a stage version which has been written by the film’s creator Iain Softley which received its world premiere at Glasgow Citizens Theatre in February 2010.
Backbeat takes place during the Beatles “Hamburg Years” in the early 1960s before they were famous. It centres on a love triangle between Stuart Sutcliffe (the band’s original bass guitarist) his best friend and lead guitarist John Lennon and beatnik German photographer Astrid Kirchherr.
Struggling with divided loyalties, Sutcliffe eventually chose Astrid and art over the Beatles and handed over his guitar to Paul McCartney just before Beatlemania took off. Sutcliffe died of a brain haemorrhage in Hamburg shortly after leaving the band. His portrait featured on the Beatles’ album cover for Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
The cast for Backbeat is Nick Blood (Stuart Sutcliffe), Andrew Knott (John Lennon), Ruta Gedmintas (Astrid Kirchherr), Daniel Healy (Paul Mccartney), William Payne (George Harrison), Oliver Bennett (Pete Best), Adam Sopp (Tony Sheridan / Ringo Starr), Dominic Rouse (Klaus Voorman), Ben Fox (Arthur Ballard / Bert Kaempfert) and James Wallace (George Martin).
THIS PRODUCTION CLOSED ON 18TH FEBRUARY 2012
HOW TO GET TO BACKBEAT
Duke of York's Theatre
45 Saint Martin's Lane,
London, WC2N 4BG
Click on map to enlarge image
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Tubes : Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Charing Cross Holborn Train:Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Charing Cross |
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24, 29, 176 |
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This theatre participates in the Theatreland Parking Scheme - find out more about the great discounts offered by clicking on the link. |
DISABLED ACCESS TO BLOOD BROTHERS
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The Duke of York's is equipped with a Sennheiser infra-red sound amplification system. Please request receiving equipment from the Box Office situated in the main foyer - a deposit of £10 is required. |
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A maximum of two guide dogs can be admitted per performance to patrons booking an aisle seat. Or front of house staff can look after the guide dog in the foyer during the performance |
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Two wheelchair spaces in the Royal Circle (level access), with an accompanying companion seat. Both wheelchair spaces and transfer seats are accessed via the main entrance to the foyer. |
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Located opposite the auditorium right entrance to the Royal Circle. |
