A new show will tell how one of the Beatles’ best-loved songs was inspired by a Victorian circus performance in Rochdale.

John Lennon wrote For The Benefit of Mr Kite after being inspired by a vintage poster about 19th century showman Pablo Fanque, as previously reported in the Observer late last year.

The circus master, Britain’s first black big top boss, staged an 1843 show in Rochdale featuring renowned acrobat William Kite.

Now the story of the Victorian circus boss, his famous troupe, and how it inspired Lennon will feature in a new interactive show at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.