Let It Be at the Royal Court Liverpool Review
Let It Be
Royal Court, Liverpool
8-14 November 2015
Reviewed by Pete Allen
I didn’t expect to arrive at a scaffold clad Royal Court to a red carpet, which was a nice touch, as Let It Be has been a West End and Broadway theatrical production. Queueing down the street, it was clear that this event was a firm hit with the locals in Scouseland, the home of the Beatles. The last time I was at the Royal Court, it was to see Iron Maiden in 1989, so it was worlds apart from tonight.
Supposedly this was the unveiling of the Royal Court, yet still it was still not finished to the standard I expected. Nevertheless, this took nothing away from the ambience and the buzz of the anticipated awesome foursome and we took our circle seats.
The show is a celebration of the life and music of the Beatles. For me, it was a show of two very contrasting halves. Starting at 8pm, the first half was all about the history of the early years. The Cavern Club was re-created and the audience were immediately transported back to the 1960’s without the mass hysteria. At first, they were so authentic, I confused the two televisions above the stage as original Beatles scenes but I soon realised they were slightly delayed images of what I was actually watching on stage! The songs (Ticket to Ride, Hard Day’s Night, Day Tripper, Twist and Shout, Get back) were sang with energy and enthusiasm. Paul McCartney (Emanuele Angeletti) sounded very lifelike when he was singing, and even looked the part as he strummed his guitar left handed. However I’m sure I wasn’t alone when I say I was slightly disillusioned when I heard him speak. I heard someone in the audience utter in disbelief ‘He isn’t a Scouser?’ His foreign accent sort of ruined the moment. However he more than made up for it with his outstanding guitar playing and realistic singing voice. I was amazed at how talented he was, switching hands when playing the guitar like a true natural. The Sargent Pepper set was highly effective, very colourful and just like the record sleeve.
The second half was a bit deflated. More of a singalong show with audience participation and the banter between the band appeared strained and unnaturally staged. However the quality and standard of music never waned. By 10.40pm, although I had had a very enjoyable evening, I was ready for my bed. If you are a true Beatles fan, this is the show for you, if not, just go for the first half!
Rating: 3.5/5
Tickets cost from £26.50 (booking fees may apply).
Let It Be is at the Royal Court in Liverpool until 14 November 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0151 709 4321.
Royal Court Theatre, 1 Roe Street, Liverpool, L1 1HL | 0151 709 4321
