January of this year, 'I Am Steven Gerrard' was part of Tip Tray's exciting new writing competition, 'What Happens Next?', which got the theatre scene buzzing, literally. The energy and excitement around the competition were unreal, and now the winner, Sean McLoughlin, has the chance to showcase his debut play in front of a sold-out show - That I guarantee a 100% sell-out.  I was fortunate enough to see the original 20 minutes of the show which was perfectly executed by the very talented Joe Cowin. We had the opportunity to Speak with Joe about his excitement to be part of this show again and what audiences can expect, he stated:

I’m so excited to be returning to the show as Shane! As soon as I read the script back in January this year I knew it was something special, and Seans’ writing is incredible. I related to the script, and to Shane instantly. Growing up in Liverpool as someone who’s not seen as a ‘typical lad’ is hard, and I’m very excited for people to see this show and to relate to it in any way they can. The audience can expect to see a lot more into Shane’s life as he grows up and to see a lot more into other characters and their lives. I’m looking forward to seeing people’s reactions who saw the first 20 minutes in What Happens Next? and for people who have never seen it at all, get ready!

This is a show not to be missed and has everything to offer the audience, great acting/directing and writing. The help of the prize package, including a £1000 production budget and dramaturgical support from the Olivier Award-winning Papatango theatre company. The full-length version is going to be breathtaking.

Now, what is the show about?

Picture this, It’s Liverpool. The Champions League Final in Istanbul was 13 years ago. The buzz is still rife. The obsession is still real. Steven Gerrard has left Liverpool Football Club, but his legacy keeps on growing; a legacy that Shane wants to embody and emulate. Though Shane shares an ambition no different from many of those around him, it soon transpires that he yearns for something far beyond football. And in a city where ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is the mantra, why does Shane constantly feel like he’s the only one on the sideline? As the story unfolds Shane is back home to see his dad for the first time in three years. Shane returns home after a three-year absence,To heal old wounds. To attempt to find his place in a world that he has never felt a part of. To get answers. What secrets will come to light? And who will they come from? Could these revelations have saved everyone from heartache?

I Am Steven Gerrard" delves into the complexities of masculinity, offering an authentic reflection on what it means to be a real man in society. Through Joe Cowin's breathtaking one-man performance and Amy Roberts' direction, Sean McLoughlin's play promises to be a powerful coming-of-age story that will touch audiences. With all these creatives mixed into one, it promises to deliver a great night of theatre- again, another guarantee.

Since 2022, Tip Tray Theatre has been the company in residence at The Hope Street Theatre. Maisy and Evan are an amazing creative duo that has a real passion for the future of Theatre by supporting upcoming creatives. Tip Tray, as they are known is rapidly creating an exciting and vibrant series of events, bringing together the vast talents the city has to offer. Evan Byrne and Maisy Gordon express their delight at the recognition of "I Am Steven Gerrard" as the first competition winner. They admire Sean McLoughlin for capturing the core of Liverpool in a narrative that speaks to the heart of the city.

The Hope Street Theatre’s Artistic Director, Sam Donovan, explains when he first met Evan and Maisy , “When we first met Evan and Maisy, we could tell instantly the passion and drive they had to make a difference to the creative culture here in the city. The creation of 'What Happens Next?' brought a real buzz to the city with new and old professionals creatively working together to showcase and champion new writing. It is a real honour to be able to support them and this production of 'I Am Steven Gerrard'.”

'What Happens Next?' will return directly prior to the run of 'I Am Steven Gerrard'. Submissions for the competition are now open and seek writers to submit the first 20 minutes of a play where, by the end, the audience wants to ask, “What Happens Next?”  I urge any upcoming creative to get involved and support this event. For more information, please visit: www.tiptraytheatre.com

Admin: Sam Matthews

Edited By: Christopher Woodward