Beatles Warm Up for America With a Little Pantomime -- Picture Book

Each week, in Picture Book, we present an iconic photo from rock 'n' roll's past or present, accompanied with insightful commentary. Whether it's a famous picture or an unearthed rarity, these striking images will serve to illustrate the visual side of music.

The Beatles, Astoria Cinema, Finsbury Park, London, Dec. 31, 1963

On the cusp of international superstardom, the Beatles appear in pantomine costumes for the sixth performance of 'The Beatles Christmas Show.' The variety show -- concocted by Beatles manager Brian Epstein and agent Joe Collins (father of actress Joan Collins and novelist Jackie Collins) -- began on Dec. 24 and ran 16 shows, through Jan. 11. Featuring other acts, including the otherwise obscure Fourmost and Tommy Quickly, the shows ended with a 25-minute performance by the Fab Four, whose musical performance included 'Roll Over Beethoven' and 'Twist and Shout.'

Intended to increase the band's exposure beyond radio, the shows preceded the Beatles' first trip to America. A month after the Christmas show concluded, the band's appearance on 'The Ed Sullivan Show,' booked by Epstein, attracted 73 million viewers, introducing Beatlemania to the States with a throng of screaming, crying teens. The Beatles would do another round of 'The Beatles Christmas Show' in 1964 before retiring the gig. By that time, 'A Hard Day's Night' had marked the Beatles' move to film.