The Beatles’ eighth studio album, the ground-breaking Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, turned 50 in 2017 and, to celebrate, world-renowned New York-based choreographer Mark Morris created Pepperland, an exuberant, energetic and entertaining dance extravaganza. Premiered in Liverpool as part of the Sgt Pepper At 50 festival – alongside a host of other Fab Four-inspired work by the likes of Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller and international performer Meow Meow – Pepperland took the Royal Court by storm two years ago, and now it’s swinging by The Lowry. Serving up a pleasing mix of fast and slow numbers, The Mark Morris Dance Group bring a bit of Broadway (or at least Brooklyn, where they’re from) to Salford Quays, along with some kitschy colourful costumes plus quirky live music based on the Liverpudlian lads’ LP’s iconic songs (Penny Lane, With A Little Help From My Friends, When I’m Sixty-Four, for starters) and scored by long-time Morris collaborator, composer Ethan Iverson. Want to find out more? A Q&A takes place after the Friday-night performance. The show has won four and five star reviews across the board. The Guardian describes the show as “a gorgeously entertaining and witty tribute to the classic Beatles album”, while the Telegraph writes “a truly joyous, celebratory work of art – brilliant homage to one of the great rock albums.” Sounds like your cup of psychedelic tea? We recommend booking soon – and keep an eye out for some fab four fun pre and post show on the Saturday.
Fri 29 & Sat 30 Mar, The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ, Tel: 0843 208 6000, Fri & Sat 8pm, Sat 2pm, £13-27, thelowry.com
- Words:
- Sarah-Clare Conlon
- Published on:
- Thu 21 Mar 2019
