Let It Be
Recently Updated
Introduction to "Let It Be"
"Let It Be" premiered in London’s West End at the Prince of Wales Theatre on September 24, 2012, with previews from September 14, running until January 19, 2013, before transferring to the Savoy Theatre from February 1, 2013, to February 8, 2014, and returning to the Garrick Theatre from July 9, 2014, to September 20, 2014, totaling over 1,000 UK performances. Produced by Jamie Hendry Productions and Annerin Productions, this concert-style musical celebrates The Beatles’ legacy with over 40 hits, from "Twist and Shout" to "Hey Jude." Directed by John Maher, it featured revolving casts like Emanuele Angeletti and Reuven Gershon as Lennon and Michael Gagliano as McCartney. A multimedia tribute marking the band’s 50th anniversary, its infectious energy and Fab Four authenticity made it a West End sensation, later touring globally.
The Creative Team Behind the Show
John Maher directed "Let It Be," steering its evolution from a tribute band concept by Rain into a theatrical spectacle, with musical direction by Joey Curatolo from the original cast. The score, a jukebox of Beatles classics, was curated without new compositions, spotlighting performers like James Fox (McCartney), Luke Roberts (Starr), and John Brosnan (Harrison) across runs. Set design by Tim McQuillen-Wright, costumes by Jack Galloway, and state-of-the-art projections by Duncan McLean and Mathieu St-Arnaud conjured the 1960s vibe. Producers Jamie Hendry and Annerin, with input from Rain’s Mark Lewis, crafted a show that leaned on authenticity live musicians, no lip-syncing earning praise for its fidelity to The Beatles’ sound and spirit, despite legal tussles with Rain over copyright.
A Beatles Journey on Stage
"Let It Be" traces The Beatles’ arc from 1962 Liverpool to their 1970 breakup, unfolding as a concert without a traditional plot. It opens at The Cavern Club with mop-topped renditions of "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand," then jets to their 1964 Ed Sullivan Show debut, sparking Beatlemania. The journey hits Shea Stadium’s 1965 roar, shifts to the psychedelic "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band," and closes with introspective gems like "Let It Be" and "Come Together." Costume changes mirror their evolution suits to hippie threads while projections of Vietnam and flower power set the era. It’s a chronological hit parade, ending with a singalong "Hey Jude," celebrating the Fab Four’s musical and cultural reign without diving into their personal rifts.
Performance and Reception
The 2012 Prince of Wales debut drew raves The Daily Telegraph called it “as good as it gets” for Beatles fans running 128 shows before hopping to the Savoy for a year-long stint, then hitting 1,000 UK performances at the Garrick in 2014. Critics split: The Guardian’s Michael Billington dubbed it “Tussaud Theatre” for its wax-figure feel, while The Stage hailed its “non-stop parade of hits.” Audiences danced in aisles, with over 1 million seeing it worldwide by 2015. A 2013 Broadway run at the St. James Theatre lasted 47 performances, but London’s energy bolstered by a live album kept it thriving. Its 2014 Garrick finale, after an 18-week UK tour, cemented its status as a joyous nostalgia trip, though some craved deeper storytelling.
Legacy in West End Theatre
"Let It Be" carved a unique niche in West End history, its concert format distinguishing it from narrative jukebox hits like "Jersey Boys." Its three runs Prince of Wales (2012-13), Savoy (2013-14), and Garrick (2014) plus UK and world tours (Singapore, Germany) reached over 2 million globally. Legal battles with Rain in 2013 sharpened its identity, securing Beatles catalog rights a West End first. A 2022 Atlantic City stint and cast recordings keep it alive, though it’s not rivaled "Les Misérables"’ longevity. A 50th-anniversary tribute turned perennial, it’s a love letter to The Beatles’ sound, leaving a legacy of Fab Four fervor and proving live music can electrify Theatreland without a script.