Becoming the Beatles

Overview

Whether you’re revisiting your love for the Fab Four or discovering their significance anew, this is a chance to celebrate The Beatles in all their richness, wit, and wonder. 

The Beatles endure as the greatest popular music band of all time as their music and lyrics have transcended the decades - and John, Paul, George and Ringo's individual personalities - to influence generations of musicians and fans across the world. Here, the producer and director of Becoming The Beatles, walk us through the story, touching upon popular culture, music, radio, tv, film, fashion, art and creativity.  

This in-person day event will include behind-the-scenes stories and creative insights into the making of the documentary, which explores how four Liverpool lads became the most iconic band on the planet. 

Within the film itself, produced between 2008 and 2014, friends and former colleagues of the Fab Four, including filmmaker Tony Bramwell, PR man Tony Barrow, tour manager Allan Williams and promoter Sam Leach, cast new light on the compelling early days of the band.   

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 GMT on 12 November 2025. 

Programme details

9.45am
Registration at Rewley House Reception

10am
In the beginning...John and Paul, The Quarrymen, Germany
Paul Clark

10.45am

Britain in monochrome: Post war decay before The Beatles

David Morgan

11.15am
Tea/coffee break

11.45am
Then there was Brian and Richard, George and George
Paul Clark

1pm
Lunch break

2pm
Fab Four...working class heroes? The genius of their songwriting
Discussion with Paul Clark and Chris Cowey

2.45pm

Four lads who changed the world - a historical perspective

David Morgan

3.15pm
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm
Humour, fashion, film, TV, art and books: The Beatles in Popular Culture

Paul Clark  

4.30pm

Open discussion

5pm
Course Disperses 

Fees

Description Costs
Event Fee (Includes tea/coffee) £120.00
Baguette Lunch £7.50
Hot Lunch £21.25

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutors

Mr Paul Clark

Paul Clark is a writer/director/producer, best known for work including sketches and songs for Spitting Image and Rory Bremner. Other programmes include the 50 Greatest Comedy Sketches, 30 Greatest Political Comedies and Becoming The Beatles. He gained a Degree by Independent Study that looked at satirical comedy. He is currently working on a nordic noir-inspired thriller series and chapters for two new books on satire and Scandinavian drama.

Dr David Morgan

Tutor

David Morgan has taught art and architectural history for the Department since 2004. He has also taught courses for Birkbeck College, University of London, and for the WEA. His recent publications have centred upon the history of British visual satire.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation