Show: The Upbeat Beatles
Location: St. Helens Theatre Royal, St. Helens
Date: Sunday September 26 2021
Time: 19.30
Running Time: 120 Minutes
Age Rating: 10+
Production Company: John Wilson
The days are counting down to The Upbeat Beatles coming to St. Helens Theatre Royal in St. Helens. So, this will be a tremendous music tribute show at St. Helens Theatre Royal. So, let’s take a look at The Upbeat Beatles!
The Upbeat Beatles
Background
This Beatles tribute band has no equals. Indeed, they deliver powerful vocals, incredible harmonies and spot-on musicianship. Plus, they have a warm and friendly rapport with the audience, boosting their credentials as the best Beatles tribute around.
This production travels through the Long and Winding Road that is the history of the Fab Four. Indeed, we go from the Cavern on Mathew Street to Shea Stadium in the United States. Furthermore, there’s a glimpse of BeatleMania, a trip to Abbey Road, and plenty of narration and pictures along the way. Simply put, if you love The Beatles, then this show is just for you. And it’ll be a Hard Day’s Night if you miss out, so come along and celebrate the best of The Beatles!
Analysis
The Upbeat Beatles are on a whistlestop tour of the UK and they stopped by St Helens Theatre Royal on a fine September evening. There were many Beatles fans in the audience donned in their best Beatles T-shirts and ready for a good time. The band setup was slightly off-centre with a covered keyboard to stage left. Authentic Vox amps and ample guitars were set ready onstage. The Upbeat Beatles started with a bang, hitting us with She Loves You and then segueing straight into From Me To You. Black skinny suits and floppy hair in abundance. Immediately I knew we were in for a great night. The screen behind used to full effect which is always good to see, visuals started with an image of a Parlophone Records 45 and then would move along to reflect what was being played.
Brief introductions were made and then the music took precedence. We were treated to a rollercoaster of early Beatles hits; I’m Happy Just To Dance With You, Love Me Do, I Wanna Hold Your Hand and The Beatles first UK Number 1, Please Please Me.
During Please Please Me, a slight incident happened where the standing guitars fell over. Bergamin noticed this as it happened close to the drum set. Not a single drum beat was missed and they carried on without a hitch even completing the choreographed bow. You could tell from the outset that these were pros.
Ritchie Jordan, Colin Yates, Simon Blight and Robbie Bergamin had me bowled over. They played their parts as Lennon, Harrison, McCartney and Starr with conviction and skill. Their harmonies were so tight and they blended so smoothly, one could be forgiven to think it was actually the Fab 4 onstage. Not just vocally but also musically. Simply put, this band is tight.
The show followed a chronological order which, if you’re going to attempt a tribute show, this method always works best as it allows for a natural, easy to follow narrative. It’s a journey, and people love a journey. Especially one with changes along the way, musically and aesthetically. We see the band changing eras and with that comes costumes changes, musical style and facial hair.
We were treated to the days of Beatlemania and I especially appreciated the quick costume change as this is where a show can be let down. Timely costume changes and nothing really to look at onstage leaves the audience somewhat bored and it’s hard to bring the energy back up as the performers return in their new attire. Not here, this costume change was swift and efficient and I appreciate the timing of them starting up matching with the on screen footage, very clever. The patter was nicely timed and audience participation was well received. We raced through classics such as Help, Can’t Buy Me Love, Hard Day’s Night which segued straight into 8 Days A Week. We were encouraged on our feet by the cast which led us nicely into the interval by popping back to the Beatles’ Rock and Roll days where we had a taste of what was to come in the 2nd half.
The stage was dressed to fit Act 2, floral garlands on mic stands, cover off the keys to reveal a psychedelic pattern and All You Need Is Love signs scattered amongst the stage. The boys reopened with Sergeant Peppers in full gear. From here would be a well-paced visit to the Beatles later years and a good opportunity to get on your feet and have a dance. Another costume change and we would visit the rock years, taking in Back To The USSR and Revolution. The piano being used to full effect showing off the band’s skills even more. The personality of the cast shone through with the second half giving them more chances to chat to the audience. The mannerisms of The Beatles did not go amiss, every one of the cast had done their homework and you could tell.
I would just like to give a special mention to the sound. If anyone has read previous reviews of mine you will know I’m a stickler for sound. An ex-performer myself, I know how important it is on and offstage. The mix of this sound was perfect. Often, the singers are drowned out or they overpower the band, there’s feedback, not enough bass and generally it’s far too quiet. I have never seen a show before where the sound has been this spot on. Thank you for this, I cannot tell you the difference a good wall of sound makes.
A particular favourite of mine was Yesterday. Simon Blight sang this beautifully, and the atmosphere created by the lighting was almost ethereal. With a special right on Simon, lights gently twinkling around the theatre, the audience quietly singing along, it was actually quite dreamlike. The night came to a close with Hey Jude being The Upbeat Beatles’ false tab. This had everyone up on their feet and what a way to close with Blight’s riffing and the band driving the energy up, matched by the crowd, it was a perfect synergy between the audience and stage. They came back onstage to rapturous applause and finished with Get Back and McCartney’s version of Sgt Peppers/The End which gave each member a solo and a chance to really show off their talents.
Summary
The Upbeat Beatles are an authentic, upbeat and uncanny tribute to the Fab Four. Full of personality, energy and showmanship you’re sure of a great night. Beatles fan or not, you will be by the time you leave. Book your tickets immediately.
Notes
Target Audience: 10 plus
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 10/10 – Outstanding
The Upbeat Beatles Further Links
For more information about The Upbeat Beatles check out their website here.
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