Chronicle of 60s shown in Beatles birthplace

Sep 20 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

A NEW musical film partly shot in Liverpool, featuring the music of the Beatles and appearances from Bono and Eddie Izzard, is to have a special screening at Woolton Picture House yards from where the Fab Four used to rehearse.

Across the Universe is a Beatles-inspired love story and musical set in the 1960s.

It will make its Liverpool debut on Thursday September 27, followed by a reception held across the road from the cinema in St Peter’s Church Hall, where Paul McCartney and John Lennon first played together.

The Moulin Rouge-style fantasy follows the story of Jude, a Liverpudlian who travels to America to search for his long-lost father.

There he falls for Lucy, played by former child actress Evan Rachel Wood, and against the backdrop of the Vietnam war they encounter other characters such as Prudence, Sadie, JoJo and Maxwell.

U2 frontman Bono takes the role of Dr Robert, and at one point sings I Am the Walrus, while comedian Eddie Izzard plays Mr Kite.

Beatles fans will note the significance of each namesake.

Singer Joe Cocker and actress Selma Hayek also have cameo roles.

Alice Morrison, chief executive of North West Vision and Media, said the Woolton screening promised to be a “truly memorable” night for Beatles’ fans. She added: “We’re privileged to have been given access to this wonderful film before its national release.”

Mark Price, assistant manager at Woolton Picture House, said: “After watching the trailer for Across the Universe a few weeks ago I had it down as one to watch, so when Vision and Media contacted me and asked if we’d host their special screening, I was delighted.

“It’s also a great opportunity to make people aware that the cinema is back open for good, and celebrating its 80th birthday this December.”

The Liverpool Film Office, funded by the city council and part of the Culture Company, played a significant part in helping to get the film on screen.

Film officer Kevin Bell said: “Merseyside played host to Across the Universe last year, with the production spending seven days in the city. It was by far the biggest filming unit the city had ever seen.”

It was co-written and directed by Julie Taymor, whose work includes the films Frida and Titus, and the Broadway version of The Lion King.

“Beginning with over 200 songs written by the Beatles, we eventually chose 33 that we felt best told the story of a generation and a time,” said Ms Taymor, who says that Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison have all seen the film.

The special screening of Across the Universe is being held as part of the BAFTA In The Regions programme.

A limited number of free tickets are available. Email events@visionandmedia.co.uk by September 23.

vickyanderson@dailypost.co.uk