Girls Don’t Play Guitars – Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool
When John Lennon famously declared in 1963 that “girls don’t play guitars,” four young women from Liverpool set out to prove him wrong. Mary McGlory, Pam Birch, Valerie Gell, and Sylvia Saunders formed the world’s first all-girl rock ‘n’ roll band, and the city would never be the same.
Ian Salmon’s vibrant and inspiring play chronicles the incredible rise of these pioneering women. From their early days performing in Liverpool clubs as the Debutones, to their European breakout at Hamburg’s legendary Star Club, Girls Don’t Play Guitars is a joyous celebration of their journey, their music, and their enduring legacy.
Their rebranding as “The Liverbirds” honoured their Merseyside roots, and the play captures that spirit perfectly, with energetic direction from Bob Eaton and musical direction by Howard Gray. In true Royal Court style, the story unfolds through live performances that brim with raw talent and authenticity.
Casting this production must have been a challenge, as the four young leads not only needed to act, sing, and play instruments, but also accurately capture the Liverpudlian accent of the 1960s. Molly Grace Cuttler, Alice McKenna, and Sarah Workman all masterfully balance these demands, while Lisa Wright, a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts graduate and recipient of the LIPA Acting Prize for Performance, showcased her remarkable versatility by moderating her own modern accent to the softer tones of the era.
From the moment the cast launched into the Liverbirds’ 1965 hit single “Peanut Butter,” the audience was swept into a whirlwind of rock ‘n’ roll classics.
They delivered high-energy renditions of iconic songs like Chuck Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Reeling and a Rocking,” along with hits from The Stones, The Kinks, and more.
The atmosphere in the theatre was electric, with the audience clapping, singing along, and even dancing in the aisles. The cast didn’t just play the part—they lived it, bringing infectious energy to every note and movement.
Though the Liverbirds took centre stage, the male supporting cast was equally impressive. Six talented actors portrayed iconic figures from the era, including the Beatles, Brian Epstein, and Hamburg’s Star Club owner-turned-manager Manfred Weissleder. Tom Connor and Mark Newnham deserve special mention for their convincing portrayals of Paul McCartney and a youthful John Lennon, respectively.
As the final standing ovation came to a close, the night took a heartwarming turn. The original Liverbirds’ bassist Mary McGlory and drummer Sylvia Saunders were invited onstage. Far from this being a simple curtain-call gesture, these two legends, now in their seventies, took charge of their instruments and treated the audience to a moment of rock history, proving once again that their spirit and talent remain as strong as ever.
In all, Girls Don’t Play Guitars is a phenomenal tribute to a groundbreaking band, brimming with energy, music, and heartfelt performances. For fans of the era’s music or anyone who loves a good underdog story, this is a must-see. With its run ending on October 26th, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I happily give Girls Don’t Play Guitars a well-deserved 5 stars.
