As I was only 2 years old when The Beatles played in Belfast in 1963, I was unable to see them actually perform live. Over the years, I have managed to watch various well known tribute bands and have enjoyed all their shows. My latest outing, to see The Upbeat Beatles at my regular haunt, the Lichfield Garrick, was another very enjoyable experience and a reminder of the amazing contribution that The Beatles made to the world of music during those heady days of the 1960's. 

The first half of the show concentrated on the touring years and the days when "Beatlemania" was at its height, with all the hit singles and some popular album tracks. Throughout the evening, the songs were interspersed with archive film, which undoubtedly added to the atmosphere. One thing which struck me immediately was that, aside from the singing and musicianship, the members of the group had captured each Beatle's look and personality brilliantly. The first half ended with a reminder of those early days in Liverpool's atmospheric Cavern Club and we were on our feet, singing and dancing along to "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Twist And Shout" (both personal favourites). 

The second part of the show focussed on the later years when touring had ceased and The Beatles (assisted by producer, George Martin), took popular music along previously untravelled roads. We were treated to more hit singles and excerpts from those classic albums, "Sergeant Pepper," "Magical Mystery Tour," "The White Album," Abbey Road" and "Let It Be." At each stage, costume changes ensured that the group had just the right look for the time. Again, we were on our feet for songs like "Ob La Di, Ob La Da" and "Get Back;" the latter literally taking us back to that famous performance from the Apple rooftop. After a standing ovation( well deserved indeed), we finished with "The End" and a reminder of John's famous words on that day, "I hope we've passed the audition."  Audition well and truly passed, a great show and for me, particularly significant as the next day would have been John's 85th birthday. Thanks as always to Ellen at the Garrick for organising my visit and this is definitely a group well worth watching for all of us who still enjoy and appreciate the music of The Beatles.