Shake It Up Baby! – New Beatles Musical to Premiere at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre

World Premiere Production Explores the Band’s Early Years in Hamburg

A brand-new Beatles musical, Shake It Up Baby!, will receive its world premiere at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre this autumn. Written by Ian Salmon and directed by Stephen Fletcher, the show explores the band’s formative years in Hamburg, offering audiences a fresh take on the story behind the greatest band in music history.

The production will run from 26 September to 11 October 2025 as part of the venue’s inaugural autumn season following its major refurbishment and reopening.

A Rock ’n’ Roll Origin Story

Shake It Up Baby! dives into the wild, unfiltered journey that turned five young Liverpool lads into international legends. Set in the early 1960s, the musical follows the teenage Beatles as they leave their hometown to perform in what was then considered one of the most dangerous cities in Europe. It’s a story of risk, rebellion, discovery, and determination—told through the classic American rock ’n’ roll hits they played across clubs like the Indra, Kaiserkeller, and Star Club, as well as local Liverpool venues like the Cavern and Litherland Town Hall.

At its heart is the figure of Allan Williams, the so-called “man who gave The Beatles away,” played by Andrew Schofield, known for his extensive stage and screen work including Blood Brothers, Our Day Out, and GBH.

Creative Team and Live Band

• Writer: Ian Salmon (Girls Don’t Play Guitars)

• Director: Stephen Fletcher (Shirley Valentine, The Last Five Years)

• Musical Director/Arranger: George Francis (Hadestown, Elf, Amélie)

• Sound Design: Kate Harvey

• Lighting Design: Ciaran Cunningham

• Lead Producer: Scott Millaney (co-founder of MGMM Studios, pioneer of the music video genre)

The show features an all-Liverpool cast of actor-musicians performing the music live on stage, bringing authenticity and electric energy to the theatrical experience.