Fanatical faces, floppy fringes and fervent followers awaited the fab four when they took the stage at Romford’s Odeon Cinema in 1963.

Romford Recorder: The Beatles concert ticket from June 16 (picture: Music Memorabilia)The Beatles concert ticket from June 16 (picture: Music Memorabilia) (Image: Tracks Ltd)

Fifty years on, the haircuts may have changed, but The Beatles’ place in history has been cemented – and to celebrate the anniversary of that concert fans are invited to a tribute show for charity.

Romford Recorder: Handbill from The Beatles concert on June 16 (picture: Music Memorabilia)Handbill from The Beatles concert on June 16 (picture: Music Memorabilia) (Image: Tracks Ltd)

The Odeon, now the Liquid and Envy club in South Street, was just yards from the Romford War Memorial Social Club in Eastern Road, which had opened 10 years previously.

To mark the band’s Romford connection, the Brookside Theatre – which is on the site of the social club and whose productions raise funds for its renovation – will host the Counterfeit Beatles for one special night only.

Head down to the theatre on Saturday, June 15, to hear Beatles classics including “Love Me Do”, “Twist and Shout” and “Please Please Me”.

Former Recorder photographer John Hercock was at the Odeon gig, then aged just 15.

“It wasn’t just the girls who were screaming,” he recalled, “it was the boys, too.

“The atmosphere was mad – it was a full house. People had queued around the block to get in.

“I don’t think anyone could quite believe the Beatles were in Romford; you only saw bands like that on Top of the Pops.”

Artistic director Jai Sepple said: “Fifty years on, in honour of this historic performance, the Brookside Theatre is proud to host an evening of rock ‘n’ roll, guaranteed to get feet tapping and audiences on their feet.”

The show starts at 8pm and tickets are available at www.brooksidetheatre.com.