Review: The Mersey Beatles at the Margate Winter Gardens
Published: 13:07, 24 November 2018
Updated: 09:29, 26 November 2018
Rattle your jewellery, clap your hands and stamp your feet... The Beatles have returned to the Winter Gardens.
Retracing the steps of where the Fab Four played in the 1960s, world-renowned tribute band The Mersey Beatles played at the Margate venue Yesterday - 55 years after the iconic band did themselves back in July 1963.
As four Liverpool-born lads, an extra layer of authenticity is a welcome difference to usual put-on Scouse accent such Beatles groups often offer.
Naturally, no take on the Liverpudlian maestros would be complete with a collection of questionable mop tops or silky Sgt Pepper outfits.
But this is not your average tribute group going through the motions.
Having toured the world and been the Cavern Club's resident band, the four are acclaimed musicians and vocally faultless.
With Craig McGown as George Harrison, Mark Bloor as John Lennon, Steven Howard as Paul McCartney and Brian Ambrose as Ringo Starr, each one fills the shoes (or should I say wigs) of their respective Beatle with striking originality - and Come Together as a unit with limitless riches.
The hit-heavy set takes the audience on a Magical Mystery Tour through the Beatles' dynamic career, with favourites such as She Loves You and Revolution played with fiery precision.
But for the die-hard fans, arguably less popular tunes such as She's Leaving Home and Dear Prudence make the night that little bit more memorable.
Alongside the witty one-liners and passing comments, the four echo the onstage charisma of The Beatles with effortless aplomb and capture their essence convincingly.
And while The Beatles only stayed together 10 years, this group has been going strong for nearly 20 years - having formed in 1999.
With charm, skill and that Something special many tributes lack, The Mersey Beatles are a real testament to the original Liverpool legends.
For tour dates and more information, go to themerseybeatles.com
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Katie Davis