CHARITY CELEBRATION SHOW

TO MARK 60^th ANNIVERSARY OF

WORLD FAMOUS CAVERN CLUB

Concert will raise funds for Cash For Kids and Children In Need

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A special show is being staged in January 2017 to start a year of celebrations to mark the 60^th anniversary of the world’s most famous club – The Cavern in Liverpool.

The History of The Cavern: Celebrating 60 Years of the Greatest Club in the World will feature The Overtures, the UK’s premier 60s tribute band and favourite of the stars. The Overtures will also be joined by special guests.

The History of The Cavern is the first event taking place in 2017 to mark the iconic venue’s landmark anniversary. The show will take place on Sunday 15 January and Monday 16 January at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

The show on the Monday marks the club’s milestone birthday – making it exactly 60 years since The Cavern Club first threw its doors open to the music hungry youngsters of Liverpool back on 16 January 1957.

Cavern Club 1962 - c. Steve Hale

Over the past 60 years, The Cavern has played host some of the music industry’s biggest names including Stevie Wonder, The Who, The Rolling Stones and Queen – as well as Liverpool’s very own Cilla Black and The Beatles.

Local artist Tony Booth has been commissioned to design the 60^th anniversary commemorative concert poster. It was also 60 years ago when Tony was also invited to design the now famous poster for The Cavern Club’s opening night for 16 January 1957. The anniversary has also proved to be a trip down memory lane for Tony, as the 2017 poster was even drawn on his original 60-year-old paper.

To make the shows even more nostalgic, performances will start at 19:57pm and ticket prices range from £19.57. Tickets are on sale now.

Radio City and Radio Merseyside are supporting The Cavern’s 60^th anniversary celebration. To mark this special occasion, all profits from the two shows will be split between their official charities, Cash For Kids and Children In Need, respectively.

Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister and a Director of The Cavern, explained: “The Cavern is, of course, synonymous with The Beatles since they performed here 292 times in their early career between 1961 and 1963. This show will include The Beatles, but will also pay homage to the plethora of other great artists to come out of The Cavern during its 60 years. We are delighted to have both Radio City and Radio Merseyside on board to make this a real Liverpool celebration.”

The concept of the show has been designed by The Cavern, and will take audiences on a musical journey through the six decades since the club opened in 1957 – while showcasing how Merseyside’s most famous music venue has stood the test of time and has been at the forefront of musical movements throughout its life.

Jon Keats, The Cavern’s Director of Music and Events, added: “The challenge will be to give music from each decade the respect it deserves. Performing songs by huge artists from the likes of The Beatles, Cilla Black, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, Queen and Bo Diddley to Arctic Monkeys, Adele and Elbow – all of whom are very different. If anyone can do it The Overtures can.”

The Overtures are widely regarded as the UK’s ultimate 60s band, and are no stranger to big shows having performed privately for the likes of Sir Elton John and alongside Lionel Richie, Robin Gibb and Peter Noone.

Den Pugsley, a founder member of The Overtures, commented: “It’s impossible to fit The Cavern’s whole 60-year history into a 2-hour show but we’re going to give it a good go! There will be some unseen footage and great audio visual production to compliment the music, which will put into context what was happening in Liverpool and at The Cavern through the decades. We’re looking forward to welcoming some special guests on stage to bring this show together.”

Den added: “It’s a privilege to be asked to perform this show representing a place that is integral to Liverpool’s history, heritage and musical culture. Liverpool is always a great crowd to perform to.”

There are plans for further special events during 2017 to mark The Cavern’s 60th birthday year, including a limited edition anniversary book; a docu-film’ and a 3 CD compilation album release, plus lots more plans which are being kept under wraps.

Websites:           www.liverpoolphil.com/whats-on/the-history-of-the-cavern

                                www.cavernclub.org

Facebook:           /CavernClubLiverpool

Twitter:                @CavernLiverpool

LISTING INFORMATION

THE HISTORY OF THE CAVERN

Celebrating 60 Years of the Greatest Club in the World

SUNDAY 15 JANUARY 2017

MONDAY 16 JANUARY 2017

LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC HALL

Hope Street

Liverpool, L1 9BP

Show starts at 19:57pm

Ticket prices are £19.57 / £25 / £30

Book online at www.liverpoolphil.com

Call the Box Office on 0151 709 3789, or visit in person Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 5.30pm.

The Mersey Beatles at the Epstein Theatre: Memories and Review

I first saw the Mersey Beatles in 2007, not long after I moved to Liverpool to take up my job at the University of Chester.  For the next few years, I was a regular visitor to the Cavern, where the Mersey Beatles were the resident Beatles tribute band, sometimes seeing them play two or even three times a week.  No matter how many times I saw them play, each performance was as fresh and exciting and engaging as the first time that I'd seen them -- when I'd ended up dancing with Julia Baird!  For a couple of years, I had the pleasure and privilege to work part-time for the band, and I formed friendships that I'm sure will last forever.  

Then things changed.  The demands of my job and my ever-growing role at St Peter's Church, as well as the increasing demands placed on the band by tour bookings around the world meant that, until the show at the Epstein Theatre last Friday, it had been a couple of years since I saw the boys play live.  But, as soon as I walked into the theatre, it was like I had been down the Cavern, surrounded by friends and listening to fabulous music, only the night before.  It was like going home again.

I can't say that it was just the same as it always had been ... because it was better!  Two of my favourite songs -- "Lady Madonna" (nearly the Eric Morecambe tribute version, which made me smile and brought back great memories) and "Hey Bulldog" (yes, I've been requesting that for about five years, but it really was worth waiting for!); hilarious interaction with the audience -- the count-in to "She Loves You" is not something to be forgotten; poignancy and respect for the music and the city where all the band were born -- "In My Life" dedicated to George Martin and the 96; even "Yellow Submarine" ( ... yeah, let's not go there!); and a night of fabulous, fabulous music played with style, panache, and absolute sheer talent.

It was an amazing, memorable night.  And, somehow, I don't think it will be another two years before I get back to where I once belonged ;-)

The Mersey Beatles at the Epstein Theatre, May 20, 2016

Review by Donna Jackson

Last night, Liverpool’s own Mersey Beatles got back to the Epstein Theatre after a sell-out tour of the United States and proved, once again, why Julia Baird calls them the best tribute band that she’s heard. 

Mark Bloor as 'John'

From the opening notes of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” to the last triumphant note of “Hey Jude”, the Mersey Beatles owned the stage of the Epstein Theatre, named in honour of the Beatles manager, Brian Epstein, and they did Brian, The Beatles and Liverpool proud, holding the enthusiastic and appreciative audience in the palms of their hands.


The atmosphere was magical as the boys took the audience on a journey through the Beatles musical career, from the heady excitement of the early hits to the sophisticated sounds of Abbey Road, with three different costume changes, appropriate guitars for each era and song, and original artwork appropriate to each song as the backdrop. The quality of the music was superb with each song performed live and reproduced in the original key, with spot-on harmonies and perfect guitar solos that had the audience marvelling at the sheer quality of the talent on display.




The magic of the Mersey Beatles isn’t just the quality of the musical performance, though; it’s also the genuine Scouse charm, wit and humour that exudes from all the boys. Mark Bloor, as ‘John’, was on particularly good form, interacting with the audience, ‘larking about’ and frequently inducing fits of laughter from the audience.

 

Steven Howard as 'Paul'

Steven Howard, as ‘Paul’ added to the charm and wit but was clearly in control of the night, calling for requests from the audience and then adjusting the setlist accordingly; Dave Howard, as ‘George’ was the quiet one, letting his musical talent speak for itself while Brian Ambrose, as ‘Ringo’ looked as if he was having a great time, especially during his spectacular drum solo at the end of the show.

David Howard as 'George' and Brian Ambrose
as 'Ringo'

Because of this, the Mersey Beatles aren’t just any other tribute act. They don't claim to 'be' The Beatles, they don't use scripts or reproduce the lines made famous by the original Fab Four, and they don't try to impersonate the men they acknowledge as their heroes. They are simply themselves -- lads who are all Liverpool born and bred, but who have the same charm, wit and intelligence as The Beatles. Thus, they bring The Beatles 'alive' in a way that allows those who were around in the 60s to relive happy memories, and to give to those who are too young to have 'been there' a taste of something they can otherwise only dream about. And so, last night, we were transported back in time. We, in the audience, experienced the music, the energy, the passion and the excitement of four lads from Liverpool who went on to conquer the world. 

The Mersey Beatles with the amazing Tony C
on keyboards

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Beatles tribute bands around the world, but only a handful that can rightly claim to have that little something special that sets them apart. The Mersey Beatles are one of the select few. It's not just their musical talent -- many bands can legitimately make that claim -- although musical talent is clearly a key element in their success. It's not just their abundant charm and charisma. It's not just the chemistry that exists between all the boys. It's not just their passion and enthusiasm for the music of The Beatles that is so evident as they play. It's not just the respect that they have for the music, for the audience and for The Beatles. It's not even just a combination of all these elements. It is that combination plus that added spark that defies description but which everyone in the Epstein Theatre last night witnessed first hand, and which had us all on our feet begging for more. 

The Mersey Beatles performed in the Cavern club more times than their musical idols but, like the Beatles, they have outgrown the small stage in the best of cellars in Mathew Street. Similarly, in a way, they have outgrown Liverpool and, like the Beatles in 1964, are now conquering America. Having just returned from a triumphant sell-out tour of the United States, they are already booked to returned to the Midwest this summer, playing dates in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois, with further tours planned for next year.

If the Mersey Beatles are playing near you, don’t miss out on the chance to see Julia Baird’s – and Liverpool’s – favourite tribute band! A splendid time, and a trip down memory lane that will have you laughing, singing and dancing in the aisles, is guaranteed for all!

For further information on the band, tour dates and ticket information visit: www.themerseybeatles.com

"Lennon: Through a Glass Onion" Opens at Epstein Theatre Monday!

LENNON: THROUGH A GLASS ONION

OFF-BROADWAY SHOW OPENS AT LIVERPOOL’S EPSTEIN THEATRE ON APRIL 18!

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A stage production about Beatles legend John Lennon which opened in Australia, has played Off Broadway New York, and wowed audience at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival will open in its spiritual home of Liverpool next week.

The cast took a break out of rehearsals to practice on the white baby grand piano in the Lennon Suite at the city’s famous Hard Days Night Hotel, where guests were treated to a taster of the show and a few of Lennon’s greatest hits.

Daniel Taylor and Stewart D'Arrietta in Lennon Suite
at Hard Days Night Hotel.
Credit David Munn Photography 

Lennon: Through A Glass Onion will open at the Epstein Theatre, Hanover Street, on Monday 18 April, running through to Friday 29 April. There will be 14 performances across the two weeks, including four matinees.

Written by John Waters and produced by Harley Medcalf, the show is part-concert, part-biography and celebrates the genius, music and phenomenon of John Lennon. It features 31 iconic hits of Lennon and his collaborations with McCartney including Imagine, Strawberry Fields Forever, Revolution, Woman, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Working Class Hero, and Jealous Guy.

Lennon: Through A Glass Onion features Liverpool actor Daniel Taylor in the lead role, who will reveal the true essence of the life of a true icon, whose astonishing talent is still treasured the world over. Daniel has won critical acclaim as the lead role in The Tommy Cooper Show and is currently starring as Mickey in Down The Dock Road. Daniel will be joined by accompanist Stewart D’Arrietta.

Stewart D’Arrietta recently enjoyed a nine-month New York run of his Tom Waits show, Belly of a Drunken Piano. Earlier this year, he was the musical director for The White Album Concert by The Beatles, performing on stage at the world famous Sydney Opera House.

Writer John Waters is one of Australia’s most recognised, respected and critically acclaimed actors and singers. Born in Britain, he has built and retained a fan base across four decades of theatre, musicals, TV, film and music.

Producer Harley Medcalf’s career spans 40 years. He has produced shows in over 300 cities worldwide and worked with artists including Elton John, Michael Crawford, Michael Flatley, Shirley Bassey and Meat Loaf.

The show was first performed on a small stage at the Tilbury Hotel in Sydney in 1992 – 12 years after John Lennon’s untimely death. The show struck a chord with audiences and was an instant success. In the years that followed, Waters and accompanist Stewart D’Arrietta toured the show and sold out venues including The Sydney Opera House. It then headed to London’s West End for three months.

It recently played a 16-week season in New York. And in Summer 2015, it entertained audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for three weeks. The play has just completely a tour of Australia.

Harley Medcalf commented: “The play has received a really warm welcome in venues across Australia, Off Broadway in New York; and by audiences at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. So it’s a real honour and truly humbling to be bringing to show to Lennon’s Liverpool birthplace. This is going to be a very special run and we invite the people of Liverpool to come along and hear about John’s life from a brand new perspective.

“For the audience this is either an emotional trip down memory lane or a wonderful introduction to the life and times of one of the most fascinating icons of our time. And where better to do just that than in the birthplace of The Beatles.”

‘A deeply felt reflection of the man, savour every minute’ – New York Times

‘Lennon’s spirit shines through’ – New York Post

‘Surprisingly compelling’ – Rolling Stone

‘Brilliant’ – The Spectator

Website:             www.Lennononstage.com

Facebook:           Lennon – Through A Glass Onion

Twitter:                @LennonOnStage

LISTING INFORMATION

LENNON: THROUGH A GLASS ONION

Monday 18 April – Friday 29 April 2016

Evening shows: 7.30pm

Matinee shows: 1.30pm Thursday 21 April / Saturday 23 April / Thursday 28 April / Friday 29 April

Tickets: £15 - £25

THE EPSTEIN THEATRE

85 Hanover Street

Liverpool

L1 3DZ

HOW TO BOOK

Call 0844 888 4411, visit www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk or book in person at The Epstein Theatre box office open 2pm-6pm Monday-Thursday, 12pm-6pm Friday-Saturday).

Top Liverpool Beatles Guide Jackie Spencer Tantalises with a Virtual Beatles Tour!

If you're friends with Jackie Spencer on facebook, then I'm sure that you've been enjoying the photos of her 9-hour Beatles tour around Liverpool today as much as I have! 

If you're not, then check out her webpage - www.beatleguide.com - or send her a friends request on facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/beatleguide?fref=ts -- and check out what you've been missing! 

In my personal opinion, Jackie is the best Beatles guide in Liverpool! If you're thinking of taking a Beatles tour in Liverpool, then you really should start by talking to Jackie!

Biggest Ever "Let It Be" Tour Heads to Manchester!

Annerin Productions and Flying Entertainment present

FIRST NORTH WEST DATE AS PART OF 7-MONTH TOUR VISITING 26 VENUES

____________________________________________________________________

Smash hit Beatles’ celebration show LET IT BE is heading to Manchester in two weeks for the first North West dates of its biggest ever UK tour.

LET IT BE will Twist and Shout its way into Manchester’s Opera House for eight (days a week!) performances, running from Monday, 29 February through to Saturday, 5 March.

The show arrives in Manchester just days before the 46^th anniversary since Let It Be was released as a single back on 6 March 1970. The song was penned and sung by Paul McCartney. And in April 1971, The Beatles won an Oscar for Let It Be as the Best Original Song Score.

The Beatles had a strong following in Manchester. Located just 35 miles down the Long and Winding Road from the Fab Four’s home town of Liverpool, The Beatles performed in Manchester numerous times in the early days of their illustrious career.

It is believed that The Beatles’ first real gig in Manchester was at the Oasis Club on 2 February 1962. The band later returned to the city many times, which included their only appearance at Oxford Street’s Odeon Cinema on 30 May 1963, which was also the 12th date of the group’s UK tour with Roy Orbison.

Following Manchester, the next tour date in the North West of England is at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre from Monday, 28 March, to Saturday, 2 April, again with eight performances. The Beatles also performed in the seaside town, playing Blackpool Opera House twice within one month on 26 July 1964 and 16 August 1964.

The Royal Variety Show
c. David Munn Photography

LET IT BE has embarked on its biggest ever tour thanks to Annerin Productions and Flying Entertainment.

The national UK tour started early January and, over the course of seven months through to the end of July, the show will play 26 theatres across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – entertaining theatregoers with a show spanning the iconic eras of the band’s illustrious career.

The mega tour is taking in Southend; Southampton; Bromley; Bath; Torquay; Truro; Sheffield; Manchester; Wimbledon; Dublin; Woking; Blackpool; York; Swansea; Edinburgh; Birmingham; Aylesbury; Darlington; Eastbourne; Canterbury; Bristol; Oxford; Dartford; Nottingham; Leeds and Brighton. Further venues are expected to be announced.

Sergeant Pepper Set
c. David Munn Photography

The tour has already received rave reviews from the venues it has visited so far. Here’s what the critics have to say:

“THE FOUR ACCOMPLISHED MUSICIANS RECREATE AN UNMISTAKABLE SOUND” The Stage

“THE MUSIC SHOWED THE LIVERPOOL LADS AT THEIR FINEST. SHOWING BRITISH IS BEST” West End Wilma

“IT’S NOT THE REAL THING, BUT THEY ARE AS NEAR AS DAMN IT” Plymouth Herald

“IT’S THE CLOSEST YOU’LL GET TO SEEING THE BEATLES” Torquay Herald Express

“GREAT CELEBRATION OF SOME OF THE GREATEST MUSIC EVER WRITTEN” West Sussex County Times

LET IT BE audiences can look forward to a show lasting more than two hours bursting with timeless hits, showstopping sets, dazzling costumes and a brilliant performance which fans will never forget. The show also continues to attract theatregoers and fans of live music, alongside the most dedicated Beatles’ enthusiasts.

The show features the music of the world’s most successful rock ‘n’ roll band in a spectacular concert charting the band’s meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club; through the height of Beatlemania; to their later studio masterpieces. They were just four boys from Liverpool who went on to change the world.

The Beatles are music history’s greatest ever worldwide phenomenon, which is celebrated in abundance by the LET IT BE. The show is packed with over 40 of The Beatles’ greatest hits including She Loves You, Yesterday, Hey Jude, Come Together, Help!, All You Need Is Love, Penny Lane and, of course, Let It Be. Travel back to the Swinging Sixties when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends!

The Let It BEatles at Shea Stadium
c. David Munn Photography

A cast of talented musicians will take to stages across the country as the Fab Four, wowing audiences with their effortless and indistinguishable portrayal as John, Paul, George and Ringo. The performers have already toured the show to some of the biggest stages in the world including Broadway.

The cast are Paul Canning and Reuven Gershon (John Lennon); Emanuele Angeletti and Iain Hornal (Paul McCartney); John Brosnan and Paul Mannion (George Harrison); Luke Roberts and Stuart Wilkinson (Ringo Starr). The band will be joined on stage throughout the tour by Michael Bramwell on keyboards.

Producer Jeff Parry from Annerin Productions commented: “What a fantastic start to the biggest ever tour of LET IT BE, we’re delighted. The reviews have been absolutely glowing and we’re only four weeks into a seven-month tour. We still have a long way to go and everyone involved in the show is extremely excited for what the coming months hold.

“The tour includes venues where The Beatles played at the absolute height of their fame – making it even more of a memorable show for those audience members who were lucky enough to have seen The Beatles play those theatres first time round. And of course, it will also be a special experience for the cast, who are following in the footsteps of four musical legends.

“New audiences are thoroughly embracing the show and we’re seeing a lot of loyal LET IT BE fans return to enjoy this new version. They’re on their feet, singing and dancing along, and they love the fact that the cast encourage them to take photographs and record the moment. So we invite music and Beatles fans to come and join in the fun, buy your Ticket To Ride the ultimate Magical Mystery Tour and experience the concert that sadly never was.”

The show has already wowed London’s West End and New York’s Broadway audiences. It recently completed a five-week run in the birthplace of the biggest band in the world, Liverpool, where it enjoyed 5-star rave reviews and sell-out performances at Royal Court Theatre Liverpool. The Liverpool run coincided with what would have been John Lennon’s 75^th Birthday, breaking box office records at Royal Court Theatre Liverpool as the venue’s fastest selling show.

Now seen by over 1 million people worldwide, LET IT BE continues to delight audiences across the globe, having recently performed to audiences in Germany, Japan, Moscow, and France.

LET IT BE has established itself as one of the West End’s most popular shows since originally opening at the Prince of Wales Theatre in September 2012, where it recouped its initial investment after just 18 weeks before transferring for a year-long run at the Savoy Theatre from January 2013 through to February 2014. Before moving to Royal Court Theatre Liverpool, the show completed an 8-month run at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End.

A report released last week has revealed that The Beatles’ legacy adds £81.9m to the Liverpool economy each year and creates 2,335 jobs. Collaboratively produced by Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool through the Institute of Cultural Capital, European Institute of Urban Affairs and the Institute of Popular Music, the report was commissioned by Liverpool City Council to evaluate the current and future economic impact of The Beatles.

Website:             www.LetItBeLive.com

Facebook:           Let It Be UK Tour

Twitter:                @LetItBeUKTour

LISTING INFORMATION FOR MANCHESTER AND BLACKPOOL

MANCHESTER

Opera House

29 February – 5 March 2016

0844 871 3018

www.atgtickets.com/manchester

BLACKPOOL

Grand Theatre

28 March – 2 April 2016

01253 290 190

www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

FULL TOUR LISTING

TRURO

Hall for Cornwall

15 February – 20 February 2016

01872 262 466

www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

SHEFFIELD

Lyceum Theatre

22 February – 27 February 2016

0114 249 6000

www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

MANCHESTER

Opera House

29 February – 5 March 2016

0844 871 3018

www.atgtickets.com/manchester

WIMBLEDON

New Theatre

7 March – 12 March 2016

0844 871 7646

www.atgtickets.com/wimbledon

DUBLIN

Board Gais Energy Theatre

14 March – 19 March 2016

00353 (1) 677 7999

www.boardgaisenergytheatre.ie

WOKING

New Victoria Theatre

21 March – 26 March 2016

0844 871 7645

www.atgtickets.com/woking

BLACKPOOL

Grand Theatre

28 March – 2 April 2016

01253 290 190

www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

YORK

Grand Opera House

4 April – 9 April 2016

0844 871 3024

www.atgtickets.com/york

SWANSEA

Grand Theatre

11 April – 16 April 2016

01792 475 715

www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseagrandtheatre

EDINBURGH
Playhouse Theatre

18 April – 23 April 2016

0844 871 3014

www.atgtickets.com/edinburgh

BIRMINGHAM

Hippodrome

25 April – 30 April 2016

0844 338 5000

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

AYLESBURY

Waterside Theatre

2 May – 7 May 2016

0844 871 7607

www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

DARLINGTON

Civic Theatre

9 May – 14 May 2016

01325 486 555

www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

EASTBOURNE

Congress Centre

1 June – 4 June 2016

01323 412 000

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

CANTERBURY

Marlowe Theatre

6 June – 11 June 2016

01227 787 787

www.marlowetheatre.com

BRISTOL

Hippodrome

13 June – 18 June 2016

0844 871 3012

www.atgtickets.com/bristol

OXFORD

New Theatre

20 June – 25 June 2016

0844 871 3020

www.atgtickets.com/oxford

DARTFORD

Orchard Theatre

27 June – 2 July 2016

01322 220 000

www.orchardtheatre.com

NOTTINGHAM

Royal Concert Hall

5 July – 9 July 2016

0115 989 5555

www.trch.co.uk

LEEDS

Grand Theatre

11 July – 16 July 2016

0844 848 2700

www.leedsgrandtheatre.com

BRIGHTON

Theatre Royal

18 July – 23 July 2016

0844 871 7650

www.atgtickets.com/brighton

Rembering John and ‘Uncle George’ at St Peter’s Church, Woolton

With a little help from our friends …

Thousands of Beatles fans travel to St Peter’s Church in Woolton every year from all around the world to see the place where John Lennon and Paul McCartney were introduced on July 6 1957, and also to visit the graves of Eleanor Rigby and John’s uncle, George Toogood Smith.

Sadly, the weather and the passing years have taken their toll on Uncle George’s grave and it has been an aim of the team of volunteers who look after Beatles heritage at the Church to carry out some much-needed restoration work. 

This year, due to the generosity of the visitors to St Peter’s through donations and the purchase of souvenirs, this has been made possible and the newly-refurbished grave will be unveiled in a special ceremony at 2pm on Friday October 9, to commemorate John’s 75^th birthday.

Dr Donna Jackson, Senior Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Chester and a member of the congregation at St Peter’s explained:

“There are many reasons why this is an important event.   Most of all, it’s a way for the Beatles fans to say ‘thank you’ to a man who was so important in John’s life.  Before we planned the refurbishment we talked to members of John’s family to explain what we wanted to do; the last thing we wanted was for them to think that we were intruding on a private family issue.  But fortunately, they agreed that this was a lovely gesture on the part of Beatles fans.  Uncle George took care of John for many years, and it’s nice that Beatles fans can now return that favour by taking care of his grave.

The other reason is that the lettering on the grave stone is quite weathered and faded and so it’s hard to spot.  We get a lot of visitors to the Church who are on self-guided tours and, having travelled from around the world, we want them to be able to find what they’re looking for!”

Graham Paisley, Verger at St Peter's commented, "St Peter's Church has been the centre of worship in Woolton Village for nearly two hundred years and has played an important part in the lives of so many people during that time. However we realise that over the past fifty years it has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction because of the world wide interest in the Beatles. We are fortunate that Dr Jackson and a number of the church family have arranged a number of events at St Peter's to make visitors feel both welcome and share a little of the history of the Beatles in Woolton."

Dr Jackson added, “We sell souvenirs at the Church and we often get asked what the money is used for.  We always explain that the money goes towards the maintenance and upkeep of the Church, Church Hall and other aspects of Beatles heritage at St Peter’s, as well as for other Church projects, and so we’re delighted that the fans will be able to see for themselves that their money is being put to good use.”

Donna Jackson with the Quarrymen (L-R: John Duff Lowe,
Rod Davis, Len Garry & Colin Hanton)

The work on the grave is being carried out by Lee at Speke Memorials.  “We contacted Lee because we knew that he had carried out some refurbishment of our Eleanor Rigby’s grave in the past,” Dr Jackson explained.  “We hoped that he might be interested in helping us out again and to our delight he was.  He told us that it was an ‘absolute privilege’ to be asked to carry out the work and promised that it would all be done in time to celebrate John’s life on what would have been his 75^th birthday.”

The Quarrymen performing in St Peter's
Church Hall, May 2015

The unveiling ceremony will take place at 2pm on Friday October 9, and will be performed by the Quarrymen and Andrew Lancel.  The Quarrymen are all still regular visitors to the Church and, of course, were key ‘players’ on the day that John and Paul met.  Actor Andrew Lancel, who recently played Brian Epstein in “Epstein The Play” is not only a huge Beatles fan but also a member of the congregation at St Peter’s.    Top Liverpool Beatles guide, Jackie, Spencer, will give a short talk on the importance of Uncle George to John, and then everyone is invited over to the Church Hall for a party to celebrate John’s life.  There will be live music from Mark Bloor, one of the Cavern’s resident musicians and, as befits any birthday party, tea and a special cake provided by The Cake Rooms, Liverpool.

Andrew Lancel

 Dr Jackson: “We want the Beatles fans to see how we’ve spent their money so we’re hoping that as many as possible can attend the ceremony.  We’re also hoping to have a few surprises on the day too, so it should be a great day and, hopefully, a lovely and fitting way to remember John on his 75^th birthday.”