Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | A Day In The Life | 20210322 | 20230529 (BBC7) 20230530 (BBC7) 20210323 (R4) | John and Paul's very different characters were key to the Beatles' success. Decades later, the National Trust attempts to bottle the magic by recreating their childhood homes. Written by Craig Brown. Read by Mark McGann, Kate Robbins and Craig Brown. Abridged in five parts by Isobel Creed and Jill Waters *** Broadcast on 4 Extra to mark the 60th anniversary of the Beatles first universal chart number 1, From Me To You, in May 1963. Snapshots and glimpses of the Beatles and their legacy. A fascinating biography of the Fab Four that echoes the frenetic hurly-burly of an era. |
| 02 | She Loves You | 20210323 | 20230530 (BBC7) 20230531 (BBC7) 20210324 (R4) | Jane Asher was already a celebrated young actress when she met the Beatles, but she had more to offer than the inside track on fame. Read by Mark McGann Abridged by Isobel Creed and Jill Waters Paul McCartney is welcomed into his girlfriend's family. A fascinating biography of the Fab Four that echoes the frenetic hurly-burly of an era. |
| 03 | Magical Mystery Tour | 20210324 | 20230531 (BBC7) 20230601 (BBC7) 20210325 (R4) | The American moral majority disdained The Beatles music, but a reception at the British embassy proved to be startlingly enthusiastic. Read by Mark McGann. Abridged by Isobel Creed and Jill Waters . The Beatles embark on their American adventure. A fascinating biography of the Fab Four that echoes the frenetic hurly-burly of an era. |
| 04 | The Word | 20210325 | 20230601 (BBC7) 20230602 (BBC7) 20210326 (R4) | A looks at the playfulness of the Beatles lyrics, often riddled with half hidden meanings. Plus a look at how disguise offered Paul McCartney a chance to hide in plain sight and his realisation that adopting a persona could lead to a certain kind of freedom. Read by Mark McGann. Abridged by Isobel Creed and Jill Waters. Lyrics with hidden meanings, the benefits of hiding in plain sight. A fascinating biography of the Fab Four that echoes the frenetic hurly-burly of an era. |
| 05 LAST | Strawberry Fields Forever | 20210326 | 20230602 (BBC7) 20230603 (BBC7) 20210327 (R4) | It's hard to pinpoint whose idea it was, but the characteristic moptop became a Beatles trademark, spawning thousands of imitation wigs. Their legacy lives on in unexpected ways. Read by Mark McGann and Craig Brown Abridged by Isobel Creed and Jill Waters The Beatles hair became a trademark. Locks of it are still available to buy, at a price. A fascinating biography of the Fab Four that echoes the frenetic hurly-burly of an era. |
| OMNI | 20230604 | 20250125 (BBC7) 20250126 (BBC7) |  John and Paul's very different characters were key to The Beatles' success. Decades later, the National Trust attempts to bottle the magic by recreating their childhood homes. Written by Craig Brown. Omnibus of five parts abridged by Isobel Creed and Jill Waters Read by Mark McGann, Kate Robbins and Craig Brown. Snapshots and glimpses of The Beatles and their legacy. Craig Brown presents The Beatles through time, capturing the mood of an era. Read by Mark McGann and Kate Robbins. |