Shankly number two takes on role of Liverpool’s legendary manager

Apr 16 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

Jonathan Watson who is set to play Liverpool Manager Bill Shankly in the Shankly Show 198

A DRAMATIC substitution has taken place behind the scenes of The Shankly Show, the one-man play about the legendary Liverpool FC manager – with just eight days to go until its gala premiere.

Scottish actor Alexander “Sandy” West has stepped in to play Shankly, replacing Jonathan Watson (pictured) who has had to withdraw due to diary commitments.

West, 56, a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and whose 30 year career spans theatre, radio, TV and film, was placed on standby after winning plaudits in auditions. He arrived in Liverpool yesterday to immediately start rehearsals as soon as he received the call.

Andrew Sherlock, writer of The Shankly Show, said: “It’s desperately sad that Jonathan’s schedule eventually proved too hectic, but that’s showbusiness.

“Sandy was brilliant in the auditions and it was touch and go if he was going to get the nod ahead of Jonathan, so we couldn’t have hoped for a better replacement.

“As soon as it became clear we needed him, he’s dropped everything. As in football, this is someone else’s chance to shine.’’

The gala takes place at the Liverpool Olympia on April 24 and is now sold out.

The Shankly Show, created by Liverpool theatre company Footballing Legends, is a brand new production based on two acts, 45 minutes each way – the first in black and white, the second in colour.

It is one of 14 Liverpool Commissions by the Liverpool Culture Company.