FORGET about the remastered Beatles Anthology on Disney, Charlee Watt is belting out a sassy, jazz-fuelled reimagining of the Fab Four’s greatest hits at this year’s Fringe World.
In Beating Up The Beatles, Watt and her jazz quartet transform Lennon-McCartney classics into smoky, soulful showstoppers inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and the golden age of swing.
From bluesy takes on Come Together to swingin’ renditions of Can’t Buy Me Love, the show drips with nostalgia, wit, and a touch of mischief.
“This show isn’t a tribute—it’s a complete reinterpretation,” says Watt.
“I’ve loved the challenge of taking on the catalogue of the biggest band in the world; it’s been both terrifying and thrilling in equal measure.
“I’ve been inspired by the incredible artists who’ve covered The Beatles before me and researching their interpretations has been one of the most exciting parts of this process.
“These arrangements take familiar songs and turn them into something entirely new, and I like to think the Beatles themselves would approve.”
At just 20 years old, Port Lincoln–born Charlee Watt is redefining what Australian cabaret looks like.
• Charlee Watt is performing jazzy, reimagined versions of Beatles songs at the Fringe.
A vocalist, writer, and emerging producer, she’s known for her magnetic stage presence, razor-sharp wit, and soulful interpretations that make even the most familiar songs feel brand new.
Her original works including Caffeine Fiend and She Rocks: Love, Lyrics and Legacies have earned rave reviews, sold-out audiences, and standing ovations across the country.
“I’ve never been to Perth before, so making my WA debut at Aces feels incredibly special,” she says.
“It’s been on my bucket list for years. There’s something really exciting about sharing Beating Up The Beatles with a city I’ve never performed in—I can’t wait to see how Perth audiences connect with this show.”
Fresh from sweeping the 2025 Adelaide Fringe, where she received the Matt Tarrant One to Watch Award and the Weekly Emerging Artist Award, Watt is performing Beating Up The Beatles at His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth on January 27–31 as part of Fringe World.
Tix at fringeworld.com.au.