Discover something new about The Beatles with Whispering Bob Harris and ex-custodian of Lennon's childhood home Colin Hall
Whispering Bob Harris and former custodian of John Lennon's childhood home Colin Hall are taking their Beatles show to Basingstoke, writes Sam Westerby.
The Songs The Beatles Gave Away, starring The Old Grey Whistle Test presenter Bob Harris and former custodian of John Lennon's childhood home Colin Hall heads to The Haymarket on April 7.
Bob and Colin chat about their love of the Fab Four and songs which Sir Paul McCartney, John Lennon and George Harrison penned for other artists including Cilla Black's top 10 hit Step Inside Love, Peter and Gordon's transatlantic chart-topper A World Without Love and Tommy Quickly's debut single Tip of My Tongue.
"First and foremost I hope people will enjoy their evening with us and hopefully discover something new about The Beatles," says Colin.
"Our remit is to delve into an often overlooked aspect of the story of the Fab Four. That aspect is, of course, songs John, Paul and George wrote at the time but chose to give to other artists to record rather than record with The Beatles. Bob and I not only trade stories people may not have heard before but along the way we call upon eye-witnesses such as Sir Paul himself, Sir George Martin, Cilla Black and George Harrison together with clips from the songs themselves."
Colin's latest book of the same name and a Bob-hosted BBC Radio 2 documentary, which was broadcast in 2009, provided the inspiration for the stage production.
The ex-teacher has interviewed Sir Paul on a couple of occasions and for nearly 20 years was custodian of John's childhood home in Liverpool welcoming the likes of Mark Hamill, Debbie Harry and Yoko Ono.
"I not only guided visitors around Mendips but was responsible for its gardens and the presentation of the house itself," adds Colin.
"From the moment the first guests arrived their joy and excitement of being there was palpable. It was impossible not to be touched by that energy. I was honoured and immensely happy to have the privilege of caring for (and living in for 10 years) John's former home."
So what does Colin think is behind The Beatles' phenomenal popularity?
"Now there's a question!
“To paraphrase John Lennon, "If I knew the answer to that I'd become a manager and form at least six other bands and manage them!" I'd say without hesitation it's the music, the songs. They are timeless.
“The Beatles music will never grow old. It remains forever relevant, a marvellous blend of melody, harmony and lyricism. They are not over-sentimental but speak from the heart to go straight to the core of the human condition.
“They rock, don't preach and touch you with an inescapable honesty and insight. There's a Beatles song for everyone. They reach out to you whatever is happening in your life.
“I could go on. But they do bring people together from every age group, from all around the world. They leave people feeling positive and happy. They are The Beatles. The band of bands."
The Songs The Beatles Gave Away plays The Haymarket at 7.30pm on Sunday April 7.
Visit anvilarts.org.uk for details.
