I Am Steven Gerrard | Liverpool Epstein

Liverpool is a dynamic and culturally rich city, often hailed as the music capital of the world. Named the European Capital of Culture in 2008 and the most recent UK host of the Eurovision Song Contest, the city continues to showcase its vibrant spirit, creativity, and strong sense of community. Yet, perhaps nothing defines Liverpool more than football. In a city where you're either red or blue—Liverpool or Everton—football loyalty runs deep. But what happens if you're one of the rare few who’s neither?

I Am Steven Gerrard is a one-man play written by Sean McLoughlin, directed by Amy Roberts, and performed by Joe Cowin. It follows Shane, a young man from Liverpool grappling with stereotypical masculinity during his teenage years. To Shane—and to the city—Steven Gerrard is more than just a footballer, he’s a near-mythic figure, someone to look up to, or even become. This is a show that’s all about football—and not about football at all.

It’s no surprise this show is back by popular demand, having previously played to sold-out crowds at the Hope Street Theatre and the Royal Court Liverpool. This time, it’s taking to the stage at the newly reopened Epstein Theatre. From the moment the piece begins, audiences are captivated by McLoughlin’s impressive writing style— poetic, rhythmic, and sharp, packed with clever turns of phrase and that unmistakable Scouse wit. The script opens up thoughtful conversations around trauma, loneliness, isolation, friendship, and family — themes that intertwine seamlessly and offer a powerful lens on how we all navigate life’s challenges.

Shane’s relationship with his father is a strained one, shaped by the toxic masculinity often found in football culture. While his dad expects him to follow in those footsteps, Shane would much rather be at home listening to Beyoncé or impersonating Davina McCall at the school talent show — much to his father’s dismay. It’s a dynamic many will find relatable: the pressure to live up to a version of ourselves our parents imagined, rather than who we truly are. Thankfully, Shane has his Aunty Nell — a warm reminder that we all need that one person who sees us clearly, believes in us, and stands in our corner.

Maisy Gordon’s set design is deliberately simple yet evocative, capturing the essence of the typical Liverpudlian working-class environment. The settings include a city pub and the living room of Aunty Nell—both spaces that feel authentic and deeply rooted in local culture. Dominating the backdrop throughout the scenes is a striking mural of Steven Gerrard, positioned almost like a guardian or a godlike figure, watching over the characters and symbolising the profound connection between the football legend, the fans, and the wider Liverpool community.

Joe Cowin’s performance is nothing short of spectacular. From the moment he bursts onto the stage, he radiates an infectious energy that immediately captivates the audience. His portrayal is powerful and raw during the aggressive moments, particularly when embodying the character of the dad, yet he remains utterly believable and nuanced in every role he takes on. A standout moment is his monologue about wanting to lose his virginity, where he humorously draws inspiration from the men on one of his favourite reality tv shows Geordie Shore. This leads to a series of hilarious scenes set in a club, perfectly capturing the awkwardness and bravado of his character’s pursuit. Cowin masterfully balances the lighthearted and serious tones of the piece, delivering a performance that feels both effortless and profoundly moving.

At opening night, there were unfortunately a few sound issues with sound levels being loud and overbearing at times. Being a one-man show, Cowin demanded our full attention throughout, but microphone problems caused some disruptions through no fault of his own. At times, his microphone picked up a rustling noise, which was distracting, and then loud bangs echoed that visibly unsettled the audience. Eventually, the decision was made to turn off his microphone, which helped — though it meant Cowin had to shout his monologue over Destiny Child’s Bootylicious playing loudly in the background, with the dialogue being lost almost entirely. There’s no doubt these technical issues will be resolved soon, and while they affected the enjoyment, they did not detract from the strength of the story or the performance itself.

This is a fresh, entertaining, modern take on young people’s identity and the many ways society expects us to live. While it may seem to be a play about Steven Gerrard, it cleverly flips that expectation, using him as a powerful symbol to show that, in our own way, we all carry his spirit—successful, influential, and driven. Audiences rose to their feet for a standing ovation faster than if Steven Gerrard had scored a screamer at Anfield—and rightly so. 

With hilarious physical comedy, clever and impactful writing, and a one-man performance that truly shines, I Am Steven Gerrard does the city of Liverpool proud—and proves that when it comes to storytelling, it strikes the perfect balance between passion and precision. 

I Am Steven Gerrard plays at Liverpool Epstein until 13th September 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Andrew AB