Let It Be at the Liverpool Empire Review
Let It Be
Liverpool Empire
7-12 April 2014
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
Last night Let it Be arrived at the Liverpool Empire Theatre in Liverpool as part of its UK tour. We loved every minute of it as did the rest of the audience. If you’re going to see a Beatles show let’s face it the best place to do it is their hometown, the atmosphere was electric and the show from start to finish was awesome.
While waiting for the show to begin the background music is from the Beatles era and sets the mood for the evening. The backdrop has two very early TV’s placed in each corner with an old radio in the middle. The TV’s play old adverts from many moons ago and the reaction from the audience shows it is a perfect way to kick off our trip down memory lane. There is also a Beatles trivia quiz on there which me and my mum did – not very well I must add, but as the saying goes you learn something new everyday.
It opens with the Fab Four’s Cavern days, having visited the Cavern Club earlier in the day I know from first-hand experience the set is spot on. Dingy and dark and quite a small venue. But who would care if you’re watching The Beatles!
The cast of eight do four shows each a week and are accomplished musicians/singers/actors. They must have studied Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison for many hours because they have the mannerisms, voices and dance moves off to a tee and portray them accurately. My mum thought Ringo was exceptionally well done.
It is hit after hit throughout the show (40 to be precise) and if you closed your eyes then it sounded like you were listening to the band themselves. Pitch perfect voices and superb instrument playing. The best part for me was the Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band set. Some of the favourite Beatles songs came from this album (released May 1967). Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds was awesome. When I’m 64 and With a Little Help From My Friends were also there as was the title track. The costumes are bright and stage effects out of this world – literally! Other highlights for me were While My Guitar Gently Weeps. I did wonder could Eric Clapton’s solo be matched but it truly was and the audience listened intently. Blackbird also showed just how talented The Beatles were.
There is hardly any dialogue and the story is told in chronological song form with the help of the TV screens showing extracts of the Beatles themselves, their fans and news of each era as we are taken on the journey.
Lots of thought has been given to Let it Be as to not make it just another tribute band show. It is much more than that. With Brilliant casting and fabulous costumes and set designs it is one not to be missed.
The show ended with Let it Be and Hey Jude and everybody on their feet singing dancing and clapping.
A night full of fun Spark and zest – long live The music of The Beatles.
Something else I wanted to mention is the souvenir brochure. A fantastic keep sake full of photos and information, well worth buying.
The Liverpool Empire is easy to find situated on Lime St with plenty of parking nearby and the train station a minute’s walk away. The seating plan is good with a clear view from the whole auditorium. Staff are helpful and on hand throughout. Prices are as you would expect.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £11.90 to £42.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8713017
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
