Created by the students of Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA), the new exhibit opens on Saturday, July 26, 2003.

The Beatles Story, which was originally designed to show the history of The Beatles - from the cobble streets of Hamburg; Mathew Street, home of the Cavern Club; through the madness of Beatlemania; flower power and the eventual break up of the group has been extended to include 'the solo years' of John, Paul, George and Ringo, Liverpool's most famous sons.

This was done in response to the demands of the fans who wanted to see more of their favorite musicians, hence the creation of 'Paul McCartney: The Solo Years'.

This next stage of the exhibition's development, as well as reflecting on Paul’s continuing musical success, focuses on his inspirational achievement in building the future through his support of LIPA.

The Solo Years - Paul McCartney, has been designed by Morgan Large, a graduation student, with lighting by Richard Reardon and Sarah Kamender - both on the Theatre and Performance Technology course - and a video by Elisabeth Nord (ex LIPA student).

In looking at Paul’s tremendous solo achievements the exhibition includes many references to his songs and albums, though the main focus highlights Paul's commitment to the future of the performing arts by enabling thousands of students to be given a flying start at LIPA.

Jerry Goldman, Director of The Beatles Story, said: "I was recently made very aware, in addition to everything that Paul has achieved in his career, of his influence on the new generation. It was during the LIPA prize-giving ceremony that it was really brought home to me, and I felt that we should illustrate this element of his work for a wider audience - and now we have the result of this through collaboration with the students."

Morgan Large, a final year LIPA student of Theatre and Performance Design, has created this remarkable setting for the exhibition. Visitors feel as if they are flying over a floor map of Paul's life, on which important buildings are depicted while subtle lighting effects enhance their theatricality.

Morgan says: "I am thrilled that my design has been accepted for this exhibition. To be a student at the Institute which Sir Paul McCartney is linked to, and then to create a design for The Beatles Story - it's a dream come true! I feel very fortunate and I can't wait for the opening".

The buildings represented include Forthlin Road (Paul’s family home), the skyline of Liverpool, the Mull of Kintyre, London Bridge and Liverpool Cathedral (where Paul's Liverpool Oratorio was first performed). The large floor map, based on one of Paul's paintings, refers to his songs and albums: e.g. Red Rose Speedway, Standing Stone and Give my regards to Broad Street.

The Liverpool skyline will fade as dusk falls and lights appear in the buildings. A performance within the LIPA structure begins; the front doors are open to reveal the Paul McCartney Auditorium and, with one video performance every four minutes, Paul appears on stage to tell the audience of his involvement with LIPA and what it means to him - it was, in fact, his old school.

Also involved in the project are other LIPA students lighting designers Richard Reardon and Sarah Kamender. The video was compiled by an ex-LIPA student Elisabeth Nord - Director/Producer Grieg Nord Productions.

In the prospectus Paul talks about his involvement with the Institute: "I and others in the industry want to be involved with a place which opens people’s eyes and ears, and where we can pass on the skills and experiences that have contributed to our success - lessons which have had to be learnt the hard way. I have always seen LIPA as being that place. It's great that my old school is now back in use helping the next generations. It's exciting that once again my home town will be the world¹s target for tomorrow¹s talent."

The Beatles Story is open seven days a week (except Christmas and Boxing Days). 10.00am - 6.00pm. Last admission one hour before closing. Free car and coach park in Albert Dock.

The Beatles Story, Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AA

For general information contact: +44 (0)151 709 1963