I sometimes wonder if at, at the very beginnings of their careers, Lennon and Macartney had any inkling of the magic that their song-writing union might create or indeed how their songs would resonate around the world for many decades after they were written.
Let It Be is a musical celebration of the Beatles and the many, many glorious hits that they recorded during the decade from 1906 to 1970. The show does not offer up any pretence at being a juke box musical with biographical elements, it simply gives audiences a mostly chronological hit smorgasboard, the likes of which will never be unequaled by any other pop group.
The key to the magic of Let It Be lies with the ensemble of musicians assembled to play the band itself. Paul Canning (Lennon), Emanuele Angeletti (Macartney), John Brosnan (Harrison) and Luke Roberts (Starr) are consummate musicians ensuring that the canon of work is presented with care and an abundance of energy. Michael Bramwell on keyboards joins the fray filling out some of the string sounds that the group used to great effect on some of their hits. Duncan McLean ensure that Let It Be is staged simply but effectively.
These incredible musicians are presenting, on a nightly basis, a repertoire of songs that includes All You Need Is Love, Blackbird, Eleanor Rigby, Get Back, Help, Hey Jude, Let It Be, Penny Lane, Please Please Me, Ticket To Ride, Twist And Shout, and Yesterday, amongst many, many others. Whilst most musicals struggle to have one or two hit songs, Let It Be has over forty of them!
There doesn’t seem to be any set script, just banter between the band themselves and the audience. That combined with some period video projections courtesy of Duncan McLean ensure that Let It Be is staged simply but effectively.
Director and Musical Supervisor John Maher has ensured that the music remains at the forefront of Let It Be. Together with Sound Designer Gareth Owen, they ensure that every single word and note of Let It Be is delivered with crystal clear clarity.
A word of warning, don’t go to Let It Be if you’re idea of theatre is sitting in silence whilst watching. The producers make it abundantly clear from the start that photography is encouraged (I’ve included one of the photos taken by my companion on the night above), and the performers make a point of getting the audience up on their feet to dance at every opportunity. On opening night the audience responded with gusto.
Let It Be is a two hour hit marathon. There is not a single dud tune on display. Each and every song is a classic. Audience members from 16 to 70 were up on their feet singing along and enjoying themselves. What more could you want from a night out in the West End.
Let It Be is currently running at the Garrick Theatre.
