Television recording: Around The Beatles
Tuesday 28 April 1964 | Television | Wembley Studios, London
Overview
On 28 April 1964, The Beatles recorded the ITV television special Around The Beatles at Wembley Studios, Studio 5AB, in front of a live audience. Filming ran from 9:00pm to 10:15pm, following a full dress rehearsal the previous day (27 April).
Produced by Rediffusion Television and directed by Daphne Shadwell, the programme was a major variety-style broadcast designed to showcase The Beatles alongside leading pop and entertainment acts of the period.
Production Day
The group arrived at the studios earlier in the day for final rehearsals and media duties, including an interview with Swedish radio presenter Klas Burling. The show was recorded in front of a live studio audience, creating an energetic atmosphere that reflected The Beatles' rapidly growing cultural impact.
Although presented as a live broadcast, the musical performances were pre-recorded at IBC Studios on 19 April 1964, with the band miming to the tracks during filming.
Beatles Setlist
- Twist And Shout
- Roll Over Beethoven
- I Wanna Be Your Man
- Long Tall Sally
- Can't Buy Me Love
- Medley: Love Me Do / Please Please Me / From Me To You / She Loves You / I Want To Hold Your Hand
- Shout (The Isley Brothers cover)
Shakespeare Comedy Segment
A standout moment was a comedic condensed adaptation of Act V Scene I from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, with The Beatles cast as follows:
- John Lennon – Thisbe
- Paul McCartney – Pyramus
- George Harrison – Moonshine
- Ringo Starr – Lion
The sequence showcased the band's playful on-screen personalities and added a theatrical dimension to their television appearances that went beyond conventional pop performance.
Additional Performers
- PJ Proby
- The Vernons Girls
- Long John Baldry
- Millie
- The Jets
- Cilla Black (NEMS artist)
- Sounds Incorporated (NEMS artist)
Broadcast Information
Around The Beatles was first broadcast in the UK on ITV on 6 May 1964, and later aired in the United States on ABC on 15 November 1964.
Studio Location
FAQs
When was Around The Beatles broadcast?
6 May 1964 on ITV in the UK, and 15 November 1964 on ABC in the United States.
Were the performances live?
No. The musical performances were pre-recorded at IBC Studios on 19 April 1964. The band mimed to the tracks during filming on 28 April.
What was the Shakespeare segment?
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?
Rediffusion Television, directed by Daphne Shadwell.
Editorial Note
This television special captured The Beatles at a pivotal moment in 1964, blending performance and personality into a format that helped solidify their appeal beyond music — as entertainers capable of commanding both stage and screen.
Also on 28 April in Beatles History
- John Lennon & Brian Epstein in Barcelona – 28 April 1963
- Help! Filming at Twickenham – 28 April 1965
- View all events on 28 April in Beatles History
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