‘Sandy’ West plays Shanks
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Shankly tickets on sale next week

Tickets go on sale on Monday for The Shankly Show as it marks the 50th anniversary the legendary manager first took charge of Liverpool Football Club.

Andrew Sherlock’s production was first commissioned for the city’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008, when it sold-out The Olympia and Royal Court theatres.

The commission of Liverpool 2008 is back for two nights only and will be the first theatre play in the auditorium at Liverpool’s BT Convention Centre.

Shankly’s 50th anniversary will have already passed by the time this show appears at the city’s Kings Dock venue on the Waterfront in December. The charismatic manager took charge of his first Liverpool FC training session on 14 December 1959, before going on to achieve tremendous success.

Sherlock’s play looks at the life of Shankly with Scottish actor Alexander West returning with his interpretation of the man still loved by the club and its fans.

The one-man show embraces the myth, emotion and epic stature of Shankly as well as displaying his wit, hard pitman’s background, politics and famous footballing genius. The 90-minute production – consisting of two 45 minute acts - will be set in the infamous boot room at LFC’s home ground of Anfield. An intimate theatrical performance interacts with big screen action featuring original footage, photos and graphics displayed on huge video screens.

A commemorative book and a DVD are also being released to honour the sporting legend, along with a special Citizen’s Award given by the city.

The Shankly Show appears at the BT Convention Centre on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 December at 8pm. Tickets cost £25-£35, call the Liverpool Echo Arena box office on 0844 8000 400.

This production will be opening in the city the same week another tribute to the football hero takes place at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre (See News, 15 Sept 2009).

- by Michael Hunt

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