I Am Steven Gerrard opens Epstein Theatre’s new season this autumn

A moving one-man play that’s been winning rave reviews, I am Steven Gerrard is set to launch the Epstein Theatre’s brand new season when it returns to the Liverpool stage this September.

I Am Steven Gerrard will run from Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 September, marking another step up for the show after sell-out runs at the Hope Street Theatre and Liverpool’s Royal Court Studio.

Written by Huyton playwright Sean McLoughlin, directed by Amy Roberts and performed by Kirkby’s Joe Cowin, the play is part comedy, part gut-punch as it explores masculinity, loneliness and the pressure to find your place when you feel like you don’t quite fit.

It follows Shane, a young lad who doesn’t just want to be like his hero Steven Gerrard — he wants to be him. But as the story unfolds, you realise it’s not really about football at all. It’s about searching for belonging, trying to find meaning and making sense of yourself in a world that expects you to be tough when sometimes you just don’t feel it.

Tip Tray Theatre, the Knowsley-based disabled-led company behind the show, is all about giving new talent a platform. I Am Steven Gerrard started out as part of their grassroots writing competition What Happens Next? and has grown into a full-scale production, bringing fresh Liverpool voices to the fore.

Sean McLoughlin, who’s part of the Everyman’s YEP Writers scheme, says the play comes from his own experiences of feeling on the outside in a city where football means everything.

“This show was born out of years of feeling like I didn’t belong,” says Sean. “It’s for anyone who’s ever felt that way, and I couldn’t be happier to bring it to the Epstein.”

For actor Joe Cowin, it’s something of a homecoming too — he first stepped on stage at the Epstein when he was just 10, playing Oliver Twist. He’s gone on to appear in shows including The Yarn and As You Like It for Imaginarium Theatre, plus panto favourites at St Helens Theatre Royal.

I Am Steven Gerrard kicks off the Epstein’s new season, which comes just four months after the theatre reopened under new leaseholders and management. There’s a packed autumn ahead, with the full line-up being revealed at a special Gala Night on Friday 19 September — Brian Epstein’s birthday.

Epstein Theatre general manager Anthony Proctor says the play was an obvious choice for the season opener.

“When I saw I Am Steven Gerrard last year I was blown away by how good it was,” says Anthony. “It’s powerful, funny and says so much about subjects we don’t talk about enough.

“We’re proud to support Tip Tray Theatre and to welcome them, and Joe, back to the Epstein. This theatre has always been about championing local talent and this is exactly the kind of show we want to bring to audiences here.”

I Am Steven Gerrard runs from 11 to 13 September. To get tickets and check out what else is coming up, head to the Epstein theatre website.

Keep up to date with shows across the city region here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.