One of the most well-known groups in history, the Beatles, have offered a range of musical delights that are still loved and relished today and are celebrated currently at the Royal Court. This show, for many Beatles fans, is a bit of a dream come true as we were never gifted with a retrospective Lennon & McCartney reunion concert. But through the magic of Come Together: The Lennon & McCartney Songbook, we get a heartfelt and expertly delivered window in what that could have looked like.
The songbook and songwriting duo are bought to life by Tom Connor (Paul McCartney) and Mark Newnham (John Lennon) undertaking a range of Beatles songs and stories detailing and celebrating the groups history. Connor and Newnham portray Lennon and McCartney well bouncing quips off each other and showcasing the traditional personalities we know of them, McCartney the professional people pleaser balanced against Lennon’s more rough-edged, rebellious yet charming nature. Both bring their own versions of these iconic musicians and feel authentic, something they maintain impressively even when ad-libbing.
Their comfort in portraying the duo is clear and their knowledge and love of all things John, Paul and the Beatles shines through their script. The show has wit, charm, cleverly delivered exposition and trivia while not shying from some of the heavier moments of John and Paul’s history.
Alongside the unmistakable leading duo are their band: Ben Gladwin, Greg Joy, Adam Keast and Mike Woodvine. All whom create a stunning performance with skill and ease, working together to create a concert spanning the life and works of arguably two of the greatest songwriters in musical history or, as the programme calls them, ‘the poets of a generation.’ The show makes space for the supporting group, and each one gets moments to own the performance, demonstrating the mastery of their instruments.
This show is certainly one for Beatles fans, but also wider music fans and theatregoers will enjoy it as we hear some of the early rock n’ roll and new takes on songs like an acoustic In My Life. It is an opportunity to see the Beatles story told through Lennon and McCartney’s songs and highlights just how much the group went through and how their music developed in a relatively short span of time.
The director Bob Eaton and musical director Howard Gray have shaped an honest, heartwarming and reflective journey through the lives of these two Beatles. The songs are paired perfectly, not only chronologically, but in the way they match the beats of the script and dialogue.
As always, a show is elevated by lighting, sound and costume and Christopher McCourt, Doug Kuhrt, Kate Harvey, Jamie Jenkin and Marie Jones have all come together in creating something special here. The use of set enables us to go back to famous Beatles moments including the recording of the album Let It Be and the rooftop concert. The Beatles continue to astound younger audiences and are proving to be as popular as ever with this show highlighting why.
If you enjoyed Peter Jackon’s Get Back, recent documentary Paul McCartney: Man on the Run and the atmosphere that only live music can bring, then this celebration of two of Liverpool’s most beloved sons is unmissable.
Reviewer: Beth Easton
Reviewed: 17th March 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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