Backbeat to close early 18 Feb 2012

Backbeat, has posted early closing notices for 18 Feb 2012 at the Duke of York's Theatre, (the show was originally taking bookings until 24 Mar 2012).

Backbeat opened at the Duke of York's Theatre on 10 Oct 2011, following previews from 24 Sep, to mixed reviews: "This show largely left me bored and depressed." Charles Spencer for The Daily Telegraph; "Intelligent, multilayered and often touching." Lyn Gardner for The Guardian

It is directed by David Leveaux, designed by Christopher Oram & Andrew D Edwards, sound by Paul Groothuis & Ed Clarke, lighting by Howard Harrison & David Holmes, Produced by Karl Sydow.

Cast include Nick Blood (Stuart Sutcliffe), Andrew Knott (John Lennon), Ruta Gedmintas (Astrid Kirchherr), Daniel Healy (Paul Mccartney), William Payne (George Harrison), Oliver Bennett (Pete Best), Adam Sopp (Tony Sheridan / Ringo Starr), Dominic Rouse ( Klaus Voorman), Ben Fox ( Arthur Ballard / Bert Kaempfert ), James Wallace (George Martin).

The story of how The Beatles 'became' The Beatles - when John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best and Stuart Sutcliffe embarked on their journey from the famous docks of Liverpool to search for success in the seedy red light district of Hamburg. The musical concentrates on the relationship between The Beatles original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe, the striking German photographer Astrid Kirchherr with whom he fell in love, and his best friend John Lennon. All time rock 'n' roll classics that the Beatles cut their teeth with - 'Twist & Shout', 'Rock & Roll Music', 'Long Tall Sally' 'Please Mr Postman' and 'Money' - are all performed live on stage in Backbeat