Come Together is a wonderfully intimate celebration of the music and partnership of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Rather than being a traditional tribute show, it captures the spirit of two friends making music together, giving audiences a glimpse into the songwriting magic that produced over 300 songs and changed popular music forever. From the moment the band takes to the stage, there is a genuine sense of affection for both the music and the story behind it.
Tom Connor and Mark Newnham, who also wrote and produced the piece, are superb as Paul and John. Their vocals are outstanding, their portrayals feel authentic without ever slipping into caricature, and the chemistry between them is what makes the evening so special. Backed by the excellent musicianship of Adam Keast, Mike Woodvine, Ben Gladwin and Greg Joy, the songs are performed with warmth, energy and genuine passion, reminding us just how extraordinary the Lennon-McCartney catalogue really is.
There are plenty of standout moments throughout the evening. A multilingual rendition of I Want to Hold Your Hand is both inventive and great fun, while Connor’s intimate piano performance of Yesterday is beautifully understated and vocally spot-on. The recreation of the famous rooftop concert atop Apple Corps headquarters is another real highlight. Having watched the recent Get Back documentary more times than I care to admit, it genuinely felt as though I was witnessing a live version of that iconic moment unfold before my eyes.
Under the direction of Bob Eaton, with musical direction by Howard Gray, the production wisely keeps the focus firmly on the music. There are no unnecessary pyrotechnics, flashy effects or overblown theatrics—just fantastic songs performed by talented musicians who clearly love the material. The result is a lively, engaging evening filled with nostalgia, humour and moments of genuine emotion. The double standing ovation towards the end of the show said it all.
Adding to the experience is a strong visual element, with multimedia projections combining retro graphics, song lyrics and photographs from the Beatles’ 1960s heyday. It’s a thoughtful touch that enhances the storytelling without ever distracting from the performances on stage.
Having worked in entertainment and on cruise ships, I’ve seen a plethora of Beatles productions and tributes, but this is the best I’ve seen by far! This journey through their story and songs felt like an intimate studio session and a live gig all in one. Newnham and Connor shine as the legendary songwriting duo with incredible vocals, uncanny mannerisms and effortless chemistry. We experience just the right amount of pathos and wit, and I left realising that this is probably the closest I’ll ever come to spending an evening with the real John and Paul.
If you’re a fan of The Beatles—or even if you only like them a little bit—you NEED to see this show!