Source: Liverpool_Echo
Review: One Night in Istanbul at the Liverpool Empire
THIS was the opener for a second season of Nicky Allt's footballing play, a comedy set within the drama of Liverpool's historic win over AC Milan at Istanbul's Ataturk stadium.[LNB]It enjoyed a sell-out run at the Empire last year with a first night memorable for the many LFC stars both in the audience and on stage with surprise appearances from Rafa Benitez, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Sammy Lee holding aloft European Cups in a joyous finale.[LNB]On this occasion, fittingly for a show primarily about the dedication of fans, it was Michael Shields who shared the spotlight at the curtain call with Robbie Fowler and council leader Joe Anderson.[LNB]But surprise guests aside how does this piece of work by Allt, the writer of other hit shows like Brick Up the Mersey Tunnels, stand up as a piece of theatre?[LNB]All the on stage action takes place in the same grimy hotel room just off Istanbul's Taksim Square on the eve and day of the final.[LNB]At times this gives it the feel of a sitcom, especially with the laughs generated from characterisation rather than plot.[LNB]Here we meet middle-aged mates Tommy (expertly played by man of many talents Neil Fitzmaurice) and Gerry (an engaging John McArdle) regaling their sons Jamie and Joseph with tales of finals past.[LNB]These moments of footballing glory are conveyed to good effect by the use of two giant screens on either side of the stage.
