I am Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard isn’t just in the title of this production, he’s in the very fabric of the set. A mural adorns the centre of the stage- Gerrard in mid-footballing celebration. And whilst his ears might be burning a little bit, it turns out that pop icons Girls Aloud and Beyonce get just as much- if a bit more- time on the pitch in this incredible show.

‘I am Steven Gerrard’, directed by Amy Roberts and produced by Tip Tray Theatre, is a glorious feat of storytelling. In this one-man show telling the life of Shane, Joe Cowin is quite simply, a delight. With almost limitless energy, Cowin melts from character to character effortlessly. It is a credit to him that he is as convincing as Shane’s father maintaining that a Stella at Wetherspoons tastes “so much better than out of a can”, as he is reprising Davina McCall’s dramatic forming of pop-royalty girl band Girls Aloud. From the script to the set, to the acting, ‘I am Steven Gerrard’ has the audience from the first whistle and leaves them hoping in vain for extra time.

Re-telling Shane’s life up until the present day in his early twenties starts from when he’s in primary school more bothered about having his favourite songs played at the school disco than anything going on at Anfield. Set in Liverpool, there are local references aplenty- City of Culture 2008 gets a good shout out. As does the stereotype of a city built around football. For Shane, it seems that every boy except him wants to be Steven Gerrard. He doesn’t quite understand what’s wrong with him, a feeling that follows him through high school and his growing up.

Mental health and toxic masculinity are key issues woven through the script of ‘I am Steven Gerrard’ and brought to life with dexterity by Cowin. Through several different characters, including Shane, Cowin illustrates the layers of societal and familial pressures on children and young adults. At points hilarious, the performance is darkened by loss, loneliness and violence and Cowin handles these delicate themes with impressive gravity and emotion.

An absorbing set brings the show together, with subtle comic dynamicity allowing it to morph from a family home to a university student house, and a Liverpool pub to one in Newcastle. Canny, entertaining touches like this litter the script, written by Sean McLoughlin, which dances out of Cowin’s mouth in a rhythm, dotted with rhyme and feeling almost lyrical. Delivered with power, Cowin has the audience in the palm of his hand eking out whatever emotion he desires- you will laugh, cry and grimace, he will make you angry and scared. This performance will take you through the highs and lows of growing up feeling lost in your hometownand perhaps leave you a little more hopeful than before.

With remarkable pace and execution, Cowin delivers ‘I am Steven Gerrard’ with flair. Convincing in the multitude of roles and performing with a whole lot of heart, Cowin is one to watch and ‘I am Steven Gerrard’ deserves your attention.

Written by, Hannah Goldswain