'One Night In Istanbul' returns to the Empire

'One Night In Istanbul' stars Neil Fitzmaurice and Ann Marie Davies with writer Nicky Allt

Actor Neil Fitzmaurice will star in Liverpool's fastest selling play of all time which returns to the Empire Theatre this May.

Based on arguably the greatest football match of all time, 'One Night In Istanbul' will run from May 17 to 29 before it travels to Dublin for a four night stint at the newly built Grand Canal Theatre.

Fitzmaurice replaces comedian John Bishop who starred in the first production last year.

Writer Nicky Allt explains: "It wasn't a hard decision to bring Neil in. It was John's acting debut last time and he was struggling with the dates this time.

"Neil was always the first choice and if anything it will only be a stronger cast this time because Neil is a more seasoned actor."

'One Night In Istanbul' was a roaring success last year with 26,000 people attending over ten days and cameos from Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and boss Rafael Benitez.

The play revolves around that historic night in Turkey when Liverpool came from three nil down at half time in the Champions League final to beat Italian giants AC Milan on penalties.

For Fitzmaurice this is the second time he features in an Istanbul related production having starred as Rafael Benitez in the film 'Fifteen Minutes That Shook The World'.

It's a way of making up for having missed out on the game itself as he explains: "I was doing a film in London at the time and it clashed with the final so I couldn't go.

"I'll never know what it was really like and that haunts me because I'm a passionate Red so I'm looking forward to it."

Except for Fitzmaurice, the cast remains the same with the return of YouTube sensation Darren Farley whose impressions of Benitez, Steven Gerrard and others earned him the part last time round.

He says: "I can't wait. The first time around it was a bit of an acting course and I leant a lot of lessons so I really can't wait to do it this time. I want to make sure it's better then ever this year."

Ann Marie Davies, ex-Brookside, also stars and is delighted to be back at the Empire, saying: "It was one of my childhood dreams to perform at Liverpool Empire and it's great to be back with the same cast again.

"The atmosphere was just ecstatic every night. Everyone was buzzing back stage and everyone's been amazing to work with."

'One Night In Istanbul' runs at the Empire Theatre from May 17 - 29 and at the Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin from June 2- 5. Tickets available online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.ticketmaster.ie.

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