‘Toe Tapping, Hat Tilting, Yee Haw of a Show ‘
Take Me Home County Road is on throughout August at the Royal Court and is the story of Shelley (Helen Carter) who is married to Mick (Lenny Woods) and works as a Teaching Assistant. When Shelley was younger she worked on the cruise ships as a singer and somewhere down deep inside still dreams of singing success. When a national competition, The Next Big Thing, arrives for auditions in Liverpool will Shelley grab the opportunity to realise her dreams?
Shelley’s husband works hard but is there trouble in their marriage, will he support her dreams? Shelly’s Mum, Joan (Eithne Brown) is there to give advice but is she fully on Shelley’s side? Shelley is supported by her neighbour Anthony (Adam McCoy) to go to the audition and realise her dreams but he is also hiding a secret of his own. Shelley’s neighbour, Margy (Keddy Sutton) comes for dating advice but is also a strong supporter of Shelley’s dreams.
During the first act we learn of Shelley’s dreams and the different dynamics and relationships between the characters and in the second act Shelley’s audition at The Next Big Thing takes place.
As well as playing Anthony, Adam McCoy is also making his professional playwriting debut and knows exactly who his audience is. Combining heart, humour, local references, sharp observations and classic country songs which make the show move along effortlessly from scene to scene.
Its a strong cast of five who are engaging and want the audience to enjoy themselves. The classic country songs are delivered powerfully and fit into the storyline seamlessly. Shelley (Helen Carter) and Anthony (Adam McCoy) both deliver vocally. A mention must be given to Margy (Keddy Sutton) whose comic timing is perfection.
The majority of the show’s stage setting is in a kitchen ( designer, Alfie Heywood) which works perfectly as it felt as though we were in the heart of the home and the characters comings and going felt completely natural. At the start of the show we are taken through the streets of Liverpool and land in County Road, this was a great use of technology engaging the audience from the off and the streets of Walton remain as the backdrop.
The lighting (Doug Kuhrt) was extremely effective and the spotlights around the whole of the stage gave the appearance of a theatre dressing room mirror. The use of the different colours selected fitted with the particular emotions of the scene.
Take Me Home County Road is feel good entertainment, packed with heart, warmth, humour, superb vocals and the standing ovation received was well deserved.
Running from: 7th August – 29th August 2026
BSL Performance: 25th August
Audio Described 26th August
Captioning available last week of the show
Review Date: 6th August 2026
Star Rating: FIVE