The Beatles Performing Shakespeare

December 20, 2012 6:02 AM

The Beatles Performing Shakespeare. In 1964, the Fab Four added another art under their belt — live theater — when they performed Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” in color, to the sound of shouting hecklers (scripted, part of the play) and someone yelling “Go back to Liverpool!” (unscripted, decidedly unshakespearean).
posted by nickyskye (13 comments total)

This is simultaneously the best and worst thing I've ever seen.
posted by Optamystic at 6:26 AM on December 20, 2012

Good grief.

What is the context for this?
Who are the other people? (Like, who is playing the wall? He looks like someone I should recognize, maybe...)

This leaves me with many more questions than answers.

Thanks for posting?
posted by hippybear at 6:38 AM on December 20, 2012

To Beatle or not to Beatle. That is the question.
posted by twoleftfeet at 6:47 AM on December 20, 2012 [2 favorites]

and someone yelling “Go back to Liverpool!” (unscripted, decidedly unshakespearean)

Groundlings are decidedly Shakespearean.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 6:47 AM on December 20, 2012 [7 favorites]

It's from Around The Beatles:

Around The Beatles was a 1964 television special, featuring The Beatles, produced by Jack Good for ITV/Rediffusion London. It was broadcast internationally, with its initial airing live from IBC Studios in London 19 April 1964, and in the US on the ABC network on 15 November. The show featured other performers as well, with The Beatles providing backing vocals for some of them.

Also see the cast listing at IMDB.
posted by pracowity at 6:59 AM on December 20, 2012 [1 favorite]

Also from Around the Beatles, Long John Baldry singing I've Got My Mojo Working. Check out the sax player on the scaffolding!
posted by jabah at 7:07 AM on December 20, 2012

Paul and John as Pyramus and Thisbe. That explains a lot.
posted by FelliniBlank at 8:04 AM on December 20, 2012

 ...mih ssim ,mih ssim ,mih ssiM .nam daed a si htebcaM

posted by mazola at 8:53 AM on December 20, 2012 [2 favorites]

To let it be or not let it be--that is the question.
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 8:57 AM on December 20, 2012 [2 favorites]

This reminds me of the plan that once existed for the Beatles to make a Lord of the Rings movie. I think Paul was supposed to be Bilbo and John was supposed to play Gollum. I could totally see John as Gollum. But yeah, it's probably good that didn't work out.
posted by OolooKitty at 8:57 AM on December 20, 2012 [1 favorite]

Wow. You have to credit them for their willingness to make utter fools of themselves in the name of good fun.
posted by alms at 8:58 AM on December 20, 2012 [1 favorite]

For those who have not heard them, and in a similar vein, I would recommend the Christmas messages recorded on flexi-discs by the Beatles for members of their fan club: 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969. The style mirrors the musical development of the band and goes from quite conventional to something rather more strange (and reminiscent work Monty Python, I think). More information.
posted by rongorongo at 9:46 AM on December 20, 2012 [4 favorites]

Where has thot bean hidin' ohl these yeeahs?
posted by Twang at 10:16 AM on December 21, 2012