One of the most talked-about highlights of International Beatleweek 2025 was the musical reunion of Liverpool brothers Mark and Paul McGann, performing together for the first time in more than 40 years. Mark McGann: In His Life, premiered at the Everyman Theatre on 22 August—fittingly, the very stage where Mark first played John Lennon in 1981.
The performance mapped Mark’s memories of growing up in Liverpool during the height of Beatlemania, alongside brothers Paul, Joe and Stephen. Audiences were treated to stories, reflections, original songs, and spoken word, all brought to life with Paul joining Mark on stage once again.
Mark described the joy of revisiting those moments:
“That for me is the real pleasure, being able to revisit these wonderful memories we had as kids.”
One particularly moving section came with a poem called Merseybeat, recalling childhood days when the brothers played together as “dirty youngsters in the run down streets of Liverpool.” For many in the theatre, this blend of honesty, humour, and nostalgia struck a deep chord.
The Everyman stage was the perfect setting for such a homecoming. Mark reflected:
“It’s impossible to grow up in a city like Liverpool at that time, that was still quite vibrantly feeling the effects of Beatlemania and Merseybeats, without catching that sense of anything being possible.”
The audience’s response said it all—describing the reunion as “emotional,” the setting as “perfect,” and the connection between the brothers as “real and honest.” The night was more than a concert; it was a celebration of Liverpool, of family, and of how music and memory continue to bind us together across generations.
One of the shining highlights of International Beatleweek 2025 was the special ‘P.S I Love You’ event in the beautiful village of Port Sunlight. With perfect weather setting the scene, fans from across the world joined locals for a day of live music, heritage, and community spirit in this quintessentially English village—famous to some as a filming location for the hit TV series Peaky Blinders.
Across outdoor stages and historic venues, including Hulme Hall—where Ringo Starr made his very first appearance as a Beatle—audiences soaked up performances from international bands while sampling local food and drink from a variety of vendors. The atmosphere was nothing short of Beatlemania reborn, as visitors and residents alike celebrated together in the sunshine.
A dedicated team of Port Sunlight Trust volunteers came together with Cavern City Tours to ensure the day run smoothly and adding to the warm, welcoming feel of this “mini festival within a festival.” With music ringing through the streets and smiles all around, it truly was a day to remember.
Back to all news
