New stage show to celebrate boxing legend John Conteh at Liverpool’s Royal Court

Liverpool boxing hero John Conteh is getting his life story brought to the stage in a brand new show at the Royal Court next spring.

Conteh, written by actor Aron Julius in his writing debut, tells the story of the Toxteth-born fighter who became light heavyweight champion of the world and one of the city’s biggest sporting icons.

The idea first came to Aron backstage while starring in Boys From the Blackstuff. Talking with co-star Mark Womack, he realised Conteh’s story deserved to be remembered not just for the controversies but for the greatness he achieved both in and out of the ring. What started as a monologue has grown into a full-length production with a cast led by Aron himself.

Directed by Mark Womack, the play will chart Conteh’s rise from a ten-year-old training in Kirkby to winning Commonwealth gold at 19, then lifting the world title at just 24. Alongside the triumphs, the show also explores the challenges, the temptations of fame, and the personal battles he faced away from the spotlight.

Aron says: “John Conteh was, and still is, a Liverpool, British and global legend. His story deserves to be remembered, celebrated and honoured. I want audiences to leave this show with no doubt about the impact he had on the sport and on this city.”

John Conteh was a household name throughout the 70s and 80s, living life at full tilt and making friends everywhere he went. Conteh promises to take audiences behind the headlines, delivering a raw and powerful portrait of one of Liverpool’s greatest sporting figures.

Conteh runs from 17 April to 9 May 2026 at Liverpool’s Royal Court.

Find out more here: Liverpool’s Royal Court.

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