Beatles auction rekindles memories of 1963 royal variety show

Liverpool sale will include net curtains, a brick and autographs from night that catapulted band to superstardom

“For the people in the cheaper seats, clap your hands,” John Lennon instructed the 1963 Royal Variety Performance audience at the Prince of Wales theatre in London. “And the rest of you, if you’d just rattle your jewellery.”

It was a brave joke greeted by laughter and applause, part of an important performance that helped to catapult the Beatles to superstardom.