one4review | On 21, Aug 2025

Rob Kemp is no stranger to bringing the weird and wonderful to Edinburgh. His smash hit The Elvis Dead was a revelation, retelling the 1981 horror classic through the music of Elvis Presley. For years, Kemp joked that a follow-up might be titled Beatlesjuice — a throwaway gag that audiences laughed at. Somewhere along the line, nerd peer pressure made him carry it through. And thank goodness, because it’s an absolute blast.

The premise is once again gloriously simple: retell a cult film using the back catalogue of a music icon. This time, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice meets the Fab Four, and the results are just as delightfully deranged as you’d hope.

That’s where the fun begins. Kemp, stationed to the side of the stage dressed as the main character takes us through the story with Beatles classics warped, reimagined, and squeezed into new shapes. There are full-blown singalongs — a crowd favourite being I Am the Walrus reborn as I Am a Dead Man, while Blackbird is twisted into Goth Girl Cry. The audience dances, sings, and revels in the absurdity. And it’s not just the hits; Kemp digs into deep cuts too, including gems from The White Album.

Part of the show’s charm lies in its gloriously lo-fi approach. Yes, this could clearly expand to bigger stages with a budget, but the homemade props are half the joy: sandworms conjured from kids toys, the Maitland ghosts, prawn cocktail hands, and even an ingenious DIY method to shrink his head. It’s Fringe spirit distilled — inventive, scrappy, and brilliant.

It’s still very much a work in progress, but already it feels like the makings of a massive crossover hit. With its Rocky Horror-esque late-night vibes, Beatlesjuice could easily become one of those cult shows that the Fringe has lacked for years.

Looking for the next Six global style hit before anyone else does? Then get down there now!

****
Reviewed by Steve H
Venue Hoots Apex
Time 22:50
Until date 23 Aug