A smash-hit stage show celebrating the 20th anniversary of Liverpool FC’s Champions League triumph in Istanbul is set to return to the Liverpool stage.
Beating Berlusconi! tells the story of die-hard football fan Kenny Noonan who travels to Istanbul to watch his beloved Liverpool FC battle for the Champions League title.
It focuses on one man’s attempt to rediscover his belief in himself, his club, his city – and his class.
Writer and producer John Graham Davies said: “I’m really excited Beating Berlusconi! is heading back to the stage in Liverpool to mark 20 years since that heart-stopping Champions League final in May 2005, a night of high drama that has rightly claimed its place in both the club’s history and that of the wider city.
“We’ve been asked many, many times over the years if it would be returning, and now it is.
“I’m also delighted that human chameleon Paul Duckworth will be reprising his extraordinary tour-de-force performance as the play’s die-hard Red, Kenny, along with 35 other characters, telling a tale that doesn’t just stop at the ‘miracle of Istanbul’ itself.
“It’s a hugely physical role, taking in Heysel and Hillsborough, and Paul is a brilliant storyteller.”
Paul Duckworth (whose credits include Brick Up the Mersey Tunnels, Horrible Histories, Sweeney Todd and The Big I Am) will reprise his solo performance in the acclaimed show and Matt Rutter also returns as director of the 2025 production.
The smash hit is inspired by the almost unbelievable real-life experience of Liverpool fan Mark Radley who followed his team to Istanbul on 25 May 2005.
the heart of it is Liverpool
Despairing at seeing Liverpool 0-3 down at half-time, Mark set off in search of a drink – only to find himself in an exclusive VIP area, with AC Milan President and Italy’s then PM, Silvio Berlusconi.
John Graham Davies said: “Really, the heart of it is Liverpool, it’s about the city of Liverpool and the ups and downs of the city.”
@merseynewslive Beating Berlusconi is set to return to Liverpool for the 20th Anniversary of the Reds 2005 Champions League triumph. #liverpoolfc #Reds #theatre #ljmu #newsdays
The performance will be held at The Dome at Grand Central Hall on May 23-24. Tickets went on sale on December 20 and are still available to buy.
Paul Duckworth said: “It’s mad, crazy, frenetic, tiring.
“It’s one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever taken on in my entire life!”
The two-day revival not only coincides with the 20th anniversary of Liverpool’s famous Champions League victory against AC Milan, but with the club currently at the top of the English Premier League, the show could also be taking place on the same weekend Liverpool secured the 2024-25 Premiership title.
Beating Berlusconi! premiered in Liverpool in 2009 and toured extensively, including in Norway. It has also been published to widespread media acclaim in Italy.
Featured image courtesy Bill Elms Associates
