Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre has announced two new shows for 2025 with bookings now open.
They are both football themed, but you definitely don’t need to be a football fan to enjoy them. One is the true story about a legendary figure in the history of Liverpool FC; the other is a very much not true story about an iconic Evertonian.
The first is a world premiere of a drama that the whole theatre world has been waiting for. Peter Mullan (Ozark, Westworld, Mum) is Bill Shankly in an incredible new show, Red or Dead, adapted from David Peace’s iconic novel. It’s the fictionalised story of one man, Bill Shankly and his work and of his life after that work. A man of two halves.
Brought to Liverpool from Preston to fire the red heat of a revolution, Bill Shankly had one aim: to build Liverpool Football Club up and up until they were invincible. The great man said: “Although I’m a Scot, I’d be proud to be called a Scouser” and “Liverpool was made for me, and I was made for Liverpool.”
Adapted and directed by Phillip Breen (Royal Shakespeare Company, Clwyd Theatre Cymru) this promises to be an epic show that will have you on your feet and crying out the great man’s name. Don’t miss it.
Running from 21 March to 19 April 2025, shows are at 8pm Tuesday to Saturday, with 2pm matinees on Wednesdays 9 & 16 April and all Saturdays.
The second show is written by a star writer and will have you howling with laughter. The Legend Of Rooney’s Ring runs from 18 July to 23 August 2025.
It’s set in the far-flung, mystical land of Liverpool where our hero, Wayne*, resides. He’s as fast as horse and as strong as another horse and on a dangerous quest of heroic deeds vowingto fight evil through sheer force of will while wearing a fetching pair of furry undies. He doesn’t care about all that fighting though, he just wants his C’leen back.
C’leen is a humble bricklayer’s daughter from Crocky but, with her shiny caramel hair, she is the most beautiful woman in the whole kingdom. They fall deeply in love, making the sun shine, the flowers grow and the birds sing as tunefully as Posh Spice after the autotune’s been turned right up. All was right with the world, until Wayne was distracted by some lovely ladies.
Helen Serafinowicz (Motherland, Nova Jones) has created the ultimate Scouse sword and sorcery tale that is packed with magic, romance, original songs and stupid gags. Based on a half-true rumour, this story of myth and missus will have you laughing your axe off all night long.
Shows 8pm Tuesday to Saturday, with 2pm matinees on Wednesday 13 & 20 August and all Saturdays.
*Any similarities between the characters and local footballing celebrities, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
To book either or both call: 0151 709 4321, email [email protected] or visit liverpoolsroyalcourt.com.
