Radio: Saturday Club, Steppin’ Out

The Beatles recorded two radio sessions for different BBC shows on this day, both at the Playhouse Theatre in London.

They arrived for a 2.30pm rehearsal for a bill-topping appearance on Saturday Club – the first time they were the headline act on the programme. The Beatles chatted to presenter Brian Matthew and performed six songs: ‘I Saw Her Standing There’, ‘Do You Want To Know A Secret’, ‘Boys’, ‘Long Tall Sally’, ‘From Me To You’ and ‘Money (That’s What I Want)’.

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The recording took place between 5.30 and 6.30pm. The edition of Saturday Club was first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme on 25 May 1963, between 10am and midday.

The Beatles took a 45-minute break after the recording, returning to the Playhouse at 7.15 to rehearse an appearance on a new Light Programme show, Steppin’ Out. The hour-long edition, first broadcast on 3 June from 10.30pm, was recorded from 10-11.15pm.

Performing before a lively audience, The Beatles performed another six songs: ‘Please Please Me’, I Saw Her Standing There, ‘Roll Over Beethoven’, ‘Twist And Shout’, ‘Thank You Girl’ and From Me To You.