Video: 'The Beatles Royal Variety Show Rehearsal November 4th 1963'

(Monday, November 4, 1963, show was scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. GMT) — The Beatles performed tonight at the Royal Command Performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London, in the presence of the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.

By this point Beatlemania was an established phenomenon, with the group drawing huge and frenzied audiences across the country and beyond. Although they were seventh on the 19-act bill on this night, they were by far the most anticipated performers to appear.

Video: 'The Beatles, Royal Variety Performance for Queen Elizabeth (1963) | Full HD @duane.mediaMusic'

The Beatles began playing their opening song, “From Me To You,” before the curtains had opened. After the final chord John Lennon and Paul McCartney moved their microphone stands nearer the edge of the stage to get closer to the audience.

The group bowed in unison at the end of the second song, “She Loves You,” after which McCartney made a nervous joke about Sophie Tucker being their “favourite American group.” They followed this with a performance of “Till There Was You.”

Video: '1963: The Beatles at the Royal Variety Performance'

When the applause died down John and Paul moved their microphone stands back to their original positions, and Lennon made the announcement which won over any remaining doubters and guaranteed them headlines in all the next day’s newspapers.

“For our last number I’d like to ask your help,” Lennon said. “The people in the cheaper seats clap your hands. And the rest of you, if you’d just rattle your jewellery. We’d like to sing a song called ‘Twist And Shout.'”

Video: 'The Beatles Meeting The Queen Mother - Reuters - 4 November 1963'

At the close of the song Ringo joined the others centre stage and the curtain closed behind them. They bowed, firstly to the audience, then to the royal box, before running off the stage.

After the show, The Beatles were greeted by the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret while standing in a receiving line.

Video: 'The Beatles Meeting The Queen Mother - Associated Press - 4 November 1963'