The Beatles' Backbeat Biopic to be Adapted for Stage

Backbeat spotlights the Beatles' early years, primarily the ones with the band's original bassist Stuart Sutcliffe, who died in 1962. The plot centers on Sutcliffe's relationship with John Lennon, and Sutcliffe's romance with German photographer Astrid Kirchherr, who is widely credited with originating the band's famed mop-top look.

"When I was making the film, I was also visualising a theatre production of Backbeat, where Stu’s dramatic paintings and Astrid’s stunning photography could be woven into the narrative along with great live music," Softley told the NME. "I am so delighted that, after all these years, we can bring Backbeat to the theatre, and to debut in Scotland, where Stu was born.”

The play will run from Feb. 9 to March 6, excluding Sundays.