This was the first time the Beatles themselves were given a chance to do a variety show. They chose their favorite entertainers, many of whom were struggling Liverpool musicians themselves.
The Beatles themselves were perched up on a scaffold that surrounded the stage, along with audience, dancers, etc., introducing each act with much gusto, whilst the musicians took center stage.
Sounds Incorporated, featuring dancing numbers whilst playing saxophones, toured with the Beatles, and can be heard on Revolver Lp ( Got To Get You Into My Life), and Sgt.Pepper (Good Morning), and can be spotted dancing away on the scaffolding.
P.J. Proby is probably known mostly in Canada these days. A powerful voice, very powerful indeed.
And Cilla Black, who was almost as popular in Liverpool as the Beatles. She was also managed by Brian Epstein.
The bit from Midsummer's Night Dream is funny. Curious that there were no more shows like this done by the Beatles.
The Beatles finish the show, performing their hits, including a rare medley. Curious thing: the music was live, but pre-recorded, and all the musicians are miming to their songs. John Lennon didn't have a harmonica to play the opening harmonica riff from "Love Me Do", so he just mimed playing one.
The "Shout!" number was a standard Mersey Beat audience participation song.
So, this is indeed an historic record that any Beatles fan, or 60's music fan should own.
