“This is really an emotional thing for me, to be honest,” Martin says. “It’s the end of what was a dream. I spent three years of my life making a show with my dad and Dominic.”

‘Love Me Do’

Though the show would run nearly two decades, it was not a guaranteed success in its pre-production period. The show long went without a formal title. Beatles fans were skeptical about the concept, the legendary band’s classics played as a backdrop for acrobatic production numbers.

“At the time, when it opened, I wasn’t sure whether people were going to like it,” Martin says. “It was really the first time a Cirque show had been done without using a band. I was worried. My concern was people would think they were listening to a CD, and not experiencing an interactive show.”

Martin was relieved after the show’s premiere in 2006.

“People loved it. ‘Love’ has been such a strong show, and it still is,” Martin says. “When I saw it last year, which was in November or December when I was there, it was the best version of ‘Love’ I have seen. It’s in better shape than it ever was.”

Confidence in the show bloomed over the years, among Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr and Apple Corps partners Yoko Ono, with Sean Ono Lennon; and George Harrison’s widow, Olivia Harrison.

Initially, images of The Beatles were comparatively scarce — such as the silhouettes of John, Paul, George, and Ringo striding across the stage. Their actual faces were not seen until the famous “All You Need is Love” film clip closed the show. But the refresh at the 10-year mark included several added video images and vintage photos, strengthening the bond between the band and the Cirque artists.

‘In My Life’

Martin’s familial connection to the show extends even beyond his father.

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