Red or Dead

21 Mar 2025 - 19 Apr 2025

Royal Court Theatre

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Peter Mullan (Ozark, Westworld, Mum) is Bill Shankly in an incredible new show adapted from David Peace’s iconic novel.

“I’m a people’s man – only the people matter.” Bill Shankly

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.