Manchester Theatre News & Reviews
REVIEW - Two of Us is a must-see for Beatles fans - a story of fame, loss, friendship and one huge dose of nostalgia
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On Thursday, we went to see Two of Us at HOME, Manchester. See what our reviewer, Lizzie Johnston thought about the play about John Lennon and Paul McCartney...
So, I have to start this review by admitting that my Beatles knowledge is extremely limited. Don’t get me wrong, I know the hits and I know their names - but that’s pretty much where it ends. Thankfully, my plus one for the evening was my Beatles fan Uncle who gave me all the topline facts of The Beatles fallout and the relationship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, so I could actually understand this play. Any specifics within this review, you’ll have to thank him for.
Two of Us shares the story of the final time John Lennon and Paul McCartney ever met. It’s the 1970s, The Beatles had split and Lennon and McCartney’s friendship was under the strain of fame, creative differences and personal battles. McCartney was number one all over the world with his new band, Wings, and Lennon chose to be a stay-at-home dad to his new baby son, Sean - two completely different paths.
The play is a dramatisation of a real event - one final meeting where McCartney turned up unannounced. Truths may have been spoken, apologies could have been shared and fun may have been had, but at the heart of the whole thing is that it is the story of two working class boys who loved each other.
Arriving at the theatre included everything you’d expect for a Beatles-specific show, tunes from across their catalog played before the show started and the audience was filled with Beatles fans. The audience was hooked throughout the performance, which is particularly nice when in a smaller theatre such as HOME as everyone is really experiencing the show together.
Barry Sloane (Boys From The Black Stuff, Call of Duty, The Sandman) took on the role of John Lennon and Jay Johnson (Nowhere Boy, Wishful Thinking, Boiling Point) played Paul McCartney. Both actors were fantastic and nailed the characteristics of the two Beatles, even down to the little details such as their hand movements and actions. The accents were pretty good too.
The chemistry between Sloane and Johnson was what carried the show, particularly as it was only ever the two of them on the stage. You could see the depth and years of friendship, and how they just fell into catching up despite being apart for years. It must have been such a huge and poignant moment for the pair, and the actors made sure this came across. From heartfelt moments and sharing their feelings to uplifting fun around Lennon’s iconic white piano, the show showed the ups and downs of their reconnection, and possibly the jealousy and undertone of rivalry between the two.
The set was a fully kitted out New York apartment. Full of nods to the 1970s and the whole place was very white and bright, with the odd plant and Lennon’s piano central at the back. The costumes were spot on too, iconic 70s looks with both having slightly different styles including Lennon’s signature glasses.
The play itself was pretty accurate and gave a great retelling of what people think may have happened in the room. For The Beatles fans out there, you’d enjoy the references and banter between the pair, particularly the ongoing mention of ‘Yesterday’ and Lennon digging into McCartney about his ‘silly love songs’.
Two of Us is a must-see for Beatles fans, although it’s enjoyable whether you’re a fan or not. It’s brilliantly written and gives a great insight into the friendship and connections between two iconic characters. It’s a story of fame, loss, friendship and one huge dose of nostalgia.
WE SCORE TWO OF US...
Two of Us is on at HOME, Manchester until Saturday 28th September 2024
