The Beatles – Around The Beatles Dress Rehearsal (27 April 1964)

April 26, 2026

Rehearsal: Around The Beatles

Monday 27 April 1964 | Television | Wembley Studios, London

Overview

On 27 April 1964, The Beatles took part in a full dress rehearsal for the ITV television special Around The Beatles, staged at Wembley Studios in London. The rehearsal was conducted in front of a live studio audience and brought together all participating performers ahead of the official recording the following day.

The special was broadcast on ITV on 6 May 1964 and later aired internationally, reaching audiences in the United States and beyond during the height of Beatlemania's global expansion.

Production Context

Produced by Rediffusion Television and directed by Daphne Shadwell, Around The Beatles was designed as a major variety-style broadcast showcasing leading pop and entertainment acts of the period, with The Beatles as the central attraction.

The format included a memorable sequence in which The Beatles performed a comedic condensed version of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream — with Lennon as Thisbe, McCartney as Pyramus, Harrison as Moonshine, and Starr as Lion.

Featured Performers

The Beatles
PJ Proby
The Vernons Girls
Long John Baldry
Millie
The Jets
Cilla Black (NEMS artist)
Sounds Incorporated (NEMS artist)

Beatles Setlist

The Beatles performed a selection of their current hits and covers, including Twist And Shout, Roll Over Beethoven, I Wanna Be Your Man, Long Tall Sally, Boys, Love Me Do, She Loves You, and Can't Buy Me Love.

Venue Location

FAQs

When was Around The Beatles broadcast?

The special aired on ITV on 6 May 1964, with international broadcasts following shortly after.

What was the Shakespeare sequence?

The Beatles performed a comedic condensed version of A Midsummer Night's Dream — Lennon as Thisbe, McCartney as Pyramus, Harrison as Moonshine, and Starr as Lion.

Who produced the special?

It was produced by Rediffusion Television and directed by Daphne Shadwell.

Editorial Note

This rehearsal captures The Beatles at the peak of early Beatlemania, transitioning from touring band to multimedia cultural phenomenon. Television appearances of this scale were becoming central to their global visibility strategy in 1964.