ACROSS the Universe, a groundbreaking musical set to the background of 33 classic Beatles’ songs, had a special premiere in Liverpool last night.

Shot on location across the city, the film has been receiving rave reviews after opening in the United States last week.

It was the first opportunity for Liverpudlians to see the Beatles-inspired love story on the doorstep of the group’s old stomping ground, Woolton Picture House.

The special screening, organised by Bafta and Northwest Vision and Media, was followed by a reception afterwards in St Peter’s Church Hall where Paul McCartney first met John Lennon on July 6, 1957.

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

“Liverpool played host to Across The Universe last year, with the production spending seven days in the city,” said Liverpool Film Officer, Kevin Bell.

“It was by the far the biggest filming unit the city had ever seen – it was a huge film!”

It features cameos by such stars as U2’s Bono, Salma Hayek, Eddie Izzard and singer Joe Cocker.