BeetleMania at theSpace on the Mile Review

Preparing to twist and shout their way up the Royal Mile this week, BeetleMania is the newest offering from Leeds-based theatre company Chevron Theatre, coming out of the University of Leeds’ musical theatre societies. Known for producing original musical theatre that heads up to Edinburgh every year, this year’s show, co-written by Jess Bilsby, Lucy Butterworth and Emily Trease, transports audiences back to the 1960s with this nostalgic allusion to an era of music loved by many. 

As a music lover with an eclectic taste, it was both fascinating and nerve-wracking to hear about the show’s premise, albeit one that is very simple. The Beatles (which are only ever referred to as the ‘four’ throughout the show, a nice touch) are holding auditions for an opening act to join them on their next tour. BeetleMania follows the adrenaline rushes, arguments and alliances made amongst the first five people in line for this audition. All of this is commentated on by two lively presenters, who interject here and there and join in on their larger ensemble numbers. 

The nerves I initially felt were around the tendency to parody eras long-gone, relying on untrue caricatures or resting purely on time-specific references for a laugh or two. I can happily report, however, that BeetleMania does not fall into this trap. Apart from their costumes and a few lines referencing the band themselves, there is nothing comically ‘60s about this show. It toes the line perfectly of sitting amongst the time it’s set whilst creating vibrant characters that feel like they have come out of the modern day. Nothing feels satirical or mocking, and this authenticity is what makes the show shine. 

Speaking of the characters, almost everyone in this show feels like they come in a double act. As I mentioned before, there are the two presenters, Jude and Michelle, who are played by Danny Gordon-Boyd and Edie Gray respectively. These two have a brilliant classic TV presenter energy to them and Jude’s social clumsiness and endearing nature couple well with Michelle’s focused and no-nonsense attitude. When the cameras are on, the pair switch into media mode, commentating the events of one of the biggest days of the musical calendar. 

Rita and Billy also make an unlikely duo; Rita is an older ‘free-spirit’ whereas Billy is fresh to the big city, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed. Together, these two feel like the comedic backbone of the show, with Rita’s sincere yet sarcastic nature pairing well with Billy’s earnestness. Erin Brady’s performance as Rita is stand-out across the show as her East End hipster draws most of the laughs. Ben Pike as Billy is also phenomenal, with his heart-warming ballad towards the end of the show reaching the most emotional and passionate high across the show’s stage time.

Before I discuss the final pairing of Beetlemania, it is important to note that one character very much flies solo and perhaps she likes it that way: Maggie Fitch. Played by Jenna Coverdale, Maggie likes the attention a little too much. Physicality here is a real highlight of Coverdale’s performance and demonstrates the audacity in an incredibly funny way. 

Finally, there is the obligatory romance between two characters who reunite in the line, Jimmy and Pippa. Will Priestley and Izzy Peter tug on heartstrings beautifully with this storyline, even if it is the only one that does run a little too long in this tight showtime. Again, there is great comedic draw from these two and both should be celebrated for strong musical and choreography performances throughout, acting as trust-worthy anchors for the audience. 

As expected, every song is a tongue-in-cheek prod at the classic Beatles sound. With musical look-a-likes to Blackbird, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds and Hey Jude, it balances the art of homage and originality well. Particular stand-outs come from a medley about the British art of queueing and a psychedelic parody about mushroom risotto. The musical writing is particularly strong and Emily Trease’s handiwork as Musical Director must be commended. 

At the time of writing, BeetleMania has already sold out over half of their Fringe run. This, I believe, is a testament to the show’s wonderful ability to capture and bottle the feeling of frenzy that followed four Liverpudlians at the birth of popular music. In a Fringe economy that relies on gimmicks and references, this show manages to capitalise on a unifying love of The Beatles whilst still keeping authenticity and a genuine appreciation of that love at the centre. 

With characters that feel alive and a 45 run-time that keeps its plot tightly running to avoid any meandering, BeetleMania was a pleasant surprise for this Fringe season and one that I cannot recommend enough. 

BeetleMania is showing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Space One at 1.25pm every day between the 10th and 15th August.

★★★★

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Written by Jessica for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.