Beatles Musical On The Way

A stage version of Backbeat to open on the West End

Published 4th Aug 2011

Originally a 1994 movie starring Stephen Dorff, Backbeat is the story of the band's early days in Hamburg and "fifth" Beatle, Stuart Sutcliffe, whose romance with photographer Astrid Kirchherr and burgeoning art career prompted him to leave the band shortly before they became huge.

According to producer Karl Sydow, "It will allow people the experience of being at the birth of The Beatles. It tells a story that many music fans may not know, set to a musical backdrop that absolutely defined the early '60s. Next year will mark 50 years since The Beatles released their first single, and I am proud to be bringing their early days to life in London’s West End."

The musical is set to open at London's Duke of York Theater in October.

(Gibson)