Review: Beatles show Let it Be at The Civic

The Beatles theatrical tribute Let It Be. (supplied)

Yeah, yeah, yeah it's another Beatles tribute show but the music is uncanny and the staging captures how the Fab Four defined the 1960s

While it's easy to be sceptical, if not downright cynical, about this Beatles' theatrical tribute show - not the first and far from the last - certain things are undeniable: the American cast of this widely acclaimed production deliver an often uncanny musical verisimilitude, the staging is evocative of the ever-changing 60s which the Beatles frequently defined and, not the least, there are some pretty darn good songs showcased.

In fact 40 or so songs in all, and almost all pop classics and object lessons in songcraft.

These days with advance technology Beatles tribute acts can deliver convincingly accurate renditions of songs the original band never could.

Studio constructions like Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Strawberry Fields Forever and even the famous orchestral orgasm in A Day in the Life come off as authentic from the group (in changing costumes and wigs) plus synth player and percussionist Daniel A. Weiss barely visible at the back in the last half: "Our very own George Martin" quips Lennon/Tyson Kelly in that identifiable accent.

In fact, vocally they are excellent soundalikes and when they aren't, then does it matter?

You can't compare this live performance with a finely honed and very familiar recording, especially from a band which isn't the one on that recording. But Chris McBurney (Ringo) even manages to play backwards drums.

This loosely chronological recount of the Beatles musical career - from the Cavern and The Ed Sullivan Show, Beatlemania and Shea Stadium to Sgt Peppers, Magical Mystery Tour, Abbey Road and the final rooftop concert - also comes with sidescreen period footage (ads from back then, screaming kids, plus clever references to the imagery of the Yellow Submarine film) and is punctuated by the enthusiasm of the band.

The jokes may be rehearsed and referential ("The rest of you, just rattle your jewelry") but some are more subtle, the domain of Beatle obsessives who will delight in them.

While it would be very easy therefore to simply say of this show "a splendid time is guaranteed for all", it's no less true for that in-joke.

Let It Be is unpretentious fun and of course plays the nostalgia card for many.

But at the end of the night it has been a glorious showcase of magical, economic and memorable songs, enough non-hits to appease sceptics and cynics (Drive My Car, We Can Work It Out, Back in the USSR) and quite simply a thoroughly enjoyable night out.

And you know that can't be bad . . .

What: Let It Be

Where: Civic Theatre until Sunday April 5

Tickets available here