AN International smash-hit celebration of The Beatles will be staged at Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre later this year to officially relaunch the venue after its multi-million pound refurbishment.

Let It Be will run from October 8 - November 14. Seen by a worldwide audience of more than one million people, it charts the Fab Four's meteoric rise from humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club, through the height of Beatlemania, to their later studio masterpieces.

It is packed with more than 40 of their greatest hits including Twist and Shout, She Loves You and Drive My Car, as well as global mega-hits Yesterday, Hey Jude, Come Together and, of course, Let It Be.

Jeff Parry, from Annerin Productions, the company behind the show, said: "I could not have dreamed as a nine-year-old living in Canada, having received my first Beatles album that I would be producing a show about the band in their hometown 51 years later. Destiny has some strange coincidences.

"Having been a Beatles fan since a young age I studied the origins of the Beatles and Liverpool. I have visited Liverpool many times, most recently when Let It Be played at the Empire Theatre.

"I was overwhelmed with the Liverpudlians show of support and thanks to me for being part of the creation of the West End show.

"To say the least, Let It Be is helping to keep the music of the Beatles alive throughout the world and I am honoured to be bringing the show back to Liverpool."

Kevin Fearon, chief executive of Royal Court Liverpool, added: "We announce some eight or so shows each year but none has been so exciting or as important for the Royal Court as Let It Be.

"This autumn we will complete phase two of our refurbishment works and I can't think of a better show to mark this with. Let It Be marks a step up for Liverpool's Royal Court and the future looks very exciting.”

Tickets are from the box office on 0151 709 4321 or www.royalcourtliverpool.com