Ian Salmon’s Shake it up Baby! tells the story of the band’s Hamburg years
Andrew Schofield to play manager Allan Williams
A new musical which tells the story of the Beatles’ revolutionary time in Hamburg will receive its world premiere at the Epstein Theatre this September.
Shake It Up Baby! - written by Liverpool playwright Ian Salmon (Girls Don’t Play Guitars) – is set to be staged from 26 September to 11 October as part of the Hanover Street venue’s new autumn season.
A cast of Liverpool actor-musicians will be led by Andrew Schofield as Allan Williams, the fabled ‘man who gave the Beatles away’, and the musical is directed by Stephen Fletcher.
It’s the story of The Beatles’ two years in Hamburg, told with the classics of American rock ‘n’ roll they played across the Indra, Kaiserkeller and the Star Club, as well as here at home at the Cavern and Litherland Town Hall.
The creative team also includes Olivier Award-nominated George Francis as arranger and musical director, with sound design by Kate Harvey and lighting design from Ciaran Cunningham.
Shake It Up Baby director Stephen Fletcher said today: “We’re delighted to be bringing this brand-new musical to the newly reopened Epstein Theatre.
“It’s so brilliant to help breathe new life into this historic venue. Shake It Up Baby is an exciting story about The Beatles’ time from Liverpool to Hamburg and on the brink of fame and fortune.
“It’s got some amazing live music which will be performed by an all-Liverpool cast. It’s a story of success, love, fate, but also sadness."
Arranger and musical director George Francis said: “I can’t wait to be back in Liverpool this September, the best music city in the world, working on the songs that made The Beatles the band they became, and at the Epstein Theatre where I had my first professional musical director gig.”
And Epstein Theatre general manager Anthony Proctor added: “I’m ecstatic about Stephen, Andrew and Ian wanting to come and perform here at the Epstein. The calibre of artists involved in Shake It Up Baby! and their desire to stage this amazing new show here is a real vote of confidence in the theatre as a venue.
“Hosting the musical’s world premiere this September is going to be one of the undoubted jewels in the crown of our exciting inaugural autumn season.”
The theatre’s full autumn schedule will be launched with a special Gala Night on Friday, 19 September - Brian Epstein’s birthday – featuring local acts and celebrities.
The Grade II listed landmark reopened in April after a two-year closure and has new leaseholders and a new management team which is promising a busy programme of entertainment which reflects the theatre’s century-long role as the home of local talent, national touring productions, music, comedy and pantomime.
SHAKE IT UP BABY
Date: Friday 26 September – Saturday 11 October 2025
Time: 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays
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