“A vibrant, heartfelt tribute that goes beyond boxing glory to reveal the man behind the legend.”
Conteh at Liverpool’s Royal Court was a thoroughly engaging production, based on the life of real-life local boxing legend John Conteh – the venue pulls out all the stops. With a punching machine in the entrance to welcome you, creating a playful, boxing-inspired atmosphere before the show had even begun.
The whole cast was stellar, delivering performances full of energy, warmth and conviction. What differentiated the piece was that it never reduced Conteh’s life to a straightforward rags-to-riches story; instead, it took the time to explore his personal and family issues with real thought and sensitivity.
By the interval, we had already seen his early life and his win of the lightweight championship of the world, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the second half. But it proved to be just as compelling, deepening the story rather than simply repeating the triumphs.
The production also handled real-life events with care, weaving in references to headlines and difficult moments from Conteh’s life, including his car crash, in a way that deepened the story rather than sensationalising it. That gave the play a stronger emotional core and made Conteh feel like more than just a celebration of sporting success.
I also really liked the incorporation of singing and the 70s fashion, both of which added style, atmosphere and a real sense of period detail. Liverpool humour ran through the evening and connected beautifully with the audience, bringing plenty of laughter and a real sense of shared local pride.
Aron Julius deserves particular praise for writing and performing the piece with such confidence and care. As one of Liverpool’s own, he brings a real sense of authenticity to the production, and that local connection gives it even more heart and credibility.
A memorable moment came at the end, when John Conteh himself was in the audience and then joined the cast on stage. It was a fittingly warm finish to a production that balanced entertainment, affection and reflection.
Conteh is playing at Liverpool’s Royal Court until May 9th 2026.