18 hours Ago
It's an unconditional love story personified on stage to celebrate the life and trophy-laden career of the Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly. It is a two-way affair: an ideal match. That 'Passion' (still here in 2025) also came from the ultra loyal, die-hard fans, too.
The theatrical adaptation of David Peace's 2013 biography of the Scottish legend is an epic affair. A highly-enjoyable fictionalized account of one of the all-time sporting greats. This a home-grown production showing hearts on sleeves, hearts-in-mouths and hearts beating with pride and joy.
A theatrical experience with a big, beating heart itself. Directed by Phillip Breen, it is a semi-musical play with its fair share of tragi-comic moments. Red or Dead salutes Bill Shankly like never before.
And a cast of 52 is reminiscent of the famous Joan Littlewood workshop school of choruses. Here fans chant and sing like a portable Kop providing a powerful visual device. It is an entertaining interpretation of the vocal, emotional supporters who have stood by their club through years of domestic disappointment leading to eventual, well-earned European ecstasy.
There were times - seeing this scarf- covered throng singing in unison - that I was reminded of the classic play Oh What a Lovely War . Peter Mullan plays the 'star' in this ambitious ensemble piece under the direction of Phillip Breen. Peter dons more than the famous trademark red shirt and overcoat to transform into Mr Shankly before our eyes and ears.
He has the voice to deliver the urbane terrace philosophies and acute one-liners that played beautifully into the hands of the media. The production is packed with facts and scoresheet stats and cameos galore featuring LFC legend Emlyn Hughes, Ian St John and Kevin Keegan. Humour is tactically placed throughout the two and half drama that includes footy footage projected on a screen highlighting key goals to actual news reports of Bill's shock retirement when fans of all ages refused to accept the game was up.
There are five acts. The faster paced first half is, however, overlong and needs trimming. Following half-time, there is a more subdued continuation leading to a very moving finale.
Royal Court veterans also play their part in the talented team sheet. Les Dennis is a straight-talking and demanding LFC chairman Tom Williams while Paul Duckworth provides an almost Carry On-styled Brian Clough. Allison McKenzie is a calm and ever-supportive Nessie - Bill's wife.
In his life Bill had two families: his own loving clan at home and LFC in all its global glory. And, of course, there's the music - including the Anfield anthem You'll Never Walk Alone both in spine-tingly choral form and the Gerry and the Pacemakers perennial sing-along classic. Even The Beatles get a vocal look in when She Loves You became the Kop's spontaneous 'Top of the Pops' favourite in the 60s.
This whole experience is a must for LFC fans - take it as red. The end result reaffirms that word I used when I kicked off this review . .
. Passion. It's the driving force then as it is now and it was Bill Shankly who started the ball rolling.
VERDICT: Four stars - back of the net! The production is on until April 19. Tickets from 0151 709 4776.
