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Peter Mullan (Ozark, Westworld, Mum) is Bill Shankly in an incredible new show that will premiere at Liverpool’s Royal Court in 2025 telling a fictionalised story of the legendary Liverpool Manager. Red or Dead, based on the iconic novel by David Peace, is adapted for the stage and directed by Phillip Breen.
The Royal Court is on the lookout for performers to be part of a “Community Chorus” who will perform as part of the show. The theatre is looking for community actors to play a pivotal role in the show, with some singing and acting. No experience is necessary, interest in football is a bonus, but not essential.
Meanwhile, a brand new show written by Helen Serafinowicz (Motherland, Nova Jones) will premiere at Liverpool’s Royal Court in a blockbuster summer show. The Legend of Rooney’s Ring in the ultimate Scouse tale of sword and sorcery.
Tickets are on sale for both shows now.
2025 marks twenty years since the current team in charge of Liverpool’s Royal Court took over the building. Brand new shows throughout the year will showcase the venue’s commitment to putting Scouse voices on and off the stage.
Red or Dead
21 March – 19 April 2025
An incredible new show, adapted from David Peace’s iconic novel. This is the fictionalised story of one man, Bill Shankly and his work and of his life after that work. A man of two halves.
“Although I’m a Scot, I’d be proud to be called a Scouser.” Bill Shankly
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.
“Liverpool was made for me, and I was made for Liverpool.” Bill Shankly
Promotion, the first division title, the FA Cup and success in Europe all followed as Shankly defined what it was to be a Liverpool fan. He demanded total loyalty from his players and coaches. A loyalty that he hoped would be repaid when he retired.
“All I ask is that we try to make the people happy.” Bill Shankly
Adapted and directed by Phillip Breen (Royal Shakespeare Company, Clwyd Theatr Cymru) this will be the World premiere of an epic show that will have you on your feet and crying out the great man’s name.
Tickets are on sale for Red or Dead now.
Online: liverpoolsroyalcourt.com/redordead
By Phone: 0151 709 4321
In Person at Liverpool’s Royal Court Box Office, 1 Roe Street, L1 1HL
People can sign up for the community chorus at https://liverpoolsroyalcourt.com/join-the-community-chorus/
The Legend of Rooney’s Ring
Written by Helen Serafinowicz
18 July – 23 August 2025
Join us in the far-flung, mystical land of Liverpool where you will meet our hero, Wayne*, who is as fast as a horse and as strong as another horse. He is on a dangerous quest of heroic deeds and has vowed to 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 got distracted by some lovely ladies…
C’leen has cast Wayne out and biffed his golden ring out of the window causing a dark shadow to fall across the land. Only one man can defeat the wicked Prince and bring light and joy back to the people. Our Wayne!
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.
*Any similarities between the characters and local footballing celebrities, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Tickets are on sale for The Legend of Rooney’s Ring now.
liverpoolsroyalcourt.com/thelengendofroonysring
By Phone: 0151 709 4321
In Person at Liverpool’s Royal Court Box Office, 1 Roe Street, L1 1HL
The Artwork for The Legend of Rooney’s Ring is original artwork by Gary Frank and colourist Brad Anderson
Kevin Fearon, Executive Producer at Liverpool’s Royal Court says,
“20 years have flown by since we were given the keys to this fantastic building, back then as Rawhide Comedy Club. We are committed to telling stories of Liverpool, told by Liverpool voices, and 2025 will be no different. Next year will take us from the terraces of LFC under the legendary Bill Shankly to the mystical land where a hero is on a dangerous quest. We are delighted to have such brilliant writers as Helen Serafinowicz. Our audiences would expect nothing less!”
Box office
boxoffice@liverpoolsroyalcourt.com
0151 709 4321