Smash-hit comedy Beating Berlusconi! returns to Liverpool to mark 20th anniversary of Istanbul triumph

With just four weeks to go, the sensational, smash-hit comedy Beating Berlusconi! is set to return to the Liverpool stage, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Liverpool FC’s legendary Champions League triumph over AC Milan in Istanbul.

In a special run of two performances, Beating Berlusconi! will appear at The Dome at Grand Central Hall on Friday 23 May, followed by a second performance at the newly reopened Epstein Theatre on Saturday 24 May.

Written by John Graham Davies, the acclaimed one-man production was inspired by a remarkable real-life encounter inside the Ataturk Olympic Stadium on that historic night, 25 May 2005.

Renowned actor Paul Duckworth — whose credits include Brick Up the Mersey Tunnels, Mam! I’m ‘Ere, Lost Soul 2, Horrible Histories, Sweeney Todd, The Big I Am, and Red or Dead — will reprise his captivating role, seamlessly portraying dozens of different characters. Direction for the 2025 production will once again be provided by Matt Rutter, former director of the Young Everyman Playhouse.

Coinciding not only with the 20th anniversary of Liverpool’s Istanbul triumph but also with the club’s crowning as 2024-25 Premier League champions, the performances take place on the same weekend Liverpool officially secures the Premiership title — making it an even more poignant and celebratory occasion for fans.

Beating Berlusconi! follows the story of passionate football fan Kenny Noonan as he embarks on a journey to Istanbul to witness Liverpool’s battle for European glory. It is a moving and often hilarious account of one man’s quest to rediscover his faith in himself, his team, his city, and his community.

The story was inspired by the real-life experience of Liverpool supporter Mark Radley. After despairing at Liverpool’s 0-3 deficit at half-time, Radley ventured in search of a drink and inadvertently found himself in an exclusive VIP area — next to AC Milan President and then-Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. As Liverpool staged one of football’s greatest comebacks, Radley’s enthusiastic celebrations provoked an extraordinary reaction from Berlusconi, leading to an unforgettable encounter.

Premiering in Liverpool in 2009, Beating Berlusconi! has since toured nationally and internationally, including performances in Norway, and has been widely praised in the Italian media following its publication.

This latest staging by Turf Love Productions marks the production’s first return to the stage since 2018.

Writer and producer John Graham Davies said:

“We’ve had an absolutely amazing response since it was announced Beating Berlusconi! was returning to the Liverpool stage, 20 years after that iconic evening in Istanbul. Audiences have two chances to catch Paul Duckworth’s remarkable performance, bringing dozens of characters to life in memorable fashion – first at The Dome in Renshaw Street and then, the next night, on stage at the wonderful Epstein Theatre as part of its reopening series of shows. It’s going to be quite a weekend, especially as Liverpool confirmed their place at the top of the Premier League and it being the final weekend of the season.”

Book tickets for Beating Berlusconi! here.

Find more theatre events across Liverpool here.

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