Come Together at The Royal Court
Experiencing an evening immersed in some of the most beloved songs of my youth, performed with striking passion and precision, was an absolute delight. It felt as if, by simply closing my eyes, I was transported back in time to a live Beatles concert. Yet, opening them revealed an even more surreal scene: a youthful Lennon and McCartney, reincarnated on stage, pouring their souls into the timeless tunes of their legendary songbook.
In 2013, a pivotal moment occurred when two aspiring actors auditioned for a musical titled “Lennon,” chronicling the life of the iconic Beatle. Mark Newnham was cast as the young John Lennon, while Tom Connor, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Paul McCartney, was chosen for McCartney’s role, impressively securing his position before he had even sung a note, initially intending to audition for the part of Ringo Starr, due to being right-handed. Despite this, director Bob Eaton saw potential, opting for Connor to mime playing the bass, with a stand-in musician offstage.
Demonstrating a commendable commitment to authenticity, Connor painstakingly mastered the precise fingering on the fretboard of the left-handed Hofner bass, ultimately performing live before the show’s run was halfway through, despite not being naturally ambidextrous.
Fast forward eleven years and the dynamic duo make a triumphant return to Liverpool’s Royal Court with “Come Together,” a musical odyssey through the Lennon-McCartney songbook.
This performance was a refined version of their 2023 act, “The Two Of Us,” with Newnham fully embodying Lennon’s essence and Connor’s head-shaking mannerisms and puppy-dog eyes perfectly capturing McCartney’s charm, enhancing the authenticity of their portrayal.
The musical arrangements were even more exquisite this time around, backed by the same talented musicians who added depth and energy to the performance.
The ensemble included drummer Greg Joy, who was a joy to watch as he delighted audiences with his Ringo-esque flair, Mike Woodvine, who masterfully echoed George Harrison’s guitar work, the exuberant keyboardist “Bouncing” Ben Gladwin, and guitarist Adam Keast, who also filled in the bass lines whenever Connor switched to acoustic guitar or piano.
A highlight for me was their rendition of the Abbey Road Medley, particularly “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End”.
Then came the finale… This just had to be the latest Beatles song, “Now and Then”, based on an old John Lennon demo tape. It was performed to perfection, in the way it would no doubt have sounded, had the Beatles ever played it live. It brought tears to this reviewer’s eyes and a standing ovation from the packed auditorium.
The encore, a sing-along to “Hey Jude,” prompted by Connor from the piano, naturally led to another well-deserved standing ovation, further solidifying the night’s magical atmosphere.
“Come Together” is a must-see production that transcends mere musical tribute, offering a deep, emotional journey through the Beatles’ legacy, appealing to both die-hard fans and casual listeners alike.
The dedication of director Bob Eaton and the Royal Court’s production team in bringing this masterpiece to life is evident, making it a not-to-be-missed event that runs until April 6th.
I highly recommend securing a table in the stalls for an added treat of a pre-show meal, masterfully prepared by Chef Josh Eglin and his team
