Les Dennis and Peter Mullan to star in Red or Dead at Liverpool’s Royal Court

The life and legacy of legendary Liverpool FC manager Bill Shankly will take center stage in a brand-new production, Red or Dead, at Liverpool’s Royal Court.

Adapted from David Peace’s acclaimed novel, Red or Dead is a fictionalised portrayal of Shankly’s extraordinary career and life after football.

The show runs from 21 March 2025 – 19 April 2025 and is adapted and directed by the renowned Philip Breen (Royal Shakespeare Company, Clwyd Theatr Cymru).

Leading the cast is Peter Mullan (Ozark, Westworld, Mum), who will play Bill Shankly, the visionary manager whose revolutionary approach transformed Liverpool FC into one of football’s most formidable teams.

Joining Peter are:

• Les Dennis (Coronation Street, Death in Paradise) playing various LFC Chairmen
• Gordon Kennedy (Robin Hood, Final Prayer) as rival manager Matt Busby
• Allison McKenzie (Line of Duty, The RSC) as Ness Shankly
• George Jones (EastEnders, Homebaked: The Musical) as Ian St John
• Matthew Devlin (Little Boy Blue) as Kevin Keegan
• Paul Duckworth (Backbeat) as Eamonn Andrews and Roy Plomley
• Keith Fleming (Outlander, Macbeth) as Jock Stein and Jimmy McInne
• Dickon Tyrrell (Law & Order, The Trials of Tony Blair) as Bob Paisley
• Oliver Mawdsley (Boys From the Blackstuff) as Joe Fagan, Emlyn Hughes, and more
• Jhanaica Van Mook (Sweet Charity) as Cilla
• All other parts will be played by the cast. 

Red or Dead delves into the life of Bill Shankly, capturing his unwavering dedication to building Liverpool FC into an unstoppable force.

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. 

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.

Adapted and directed by Philip Breen, this production marks the world premiere of Red or Dead.

Red or Dead runs from 21 March – 19 April 2025 at Liverpool’s Royal Court. Don’t miss this gripping production that celebrates one of football’s most iconic figures and his enduring impact on the city of Liverpool.

To book your tickets to Red or Dead click here.

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