Take Me Home Country Road at Liverpool’s Royal Court Review
I’m just going to say it… ‘Take Me Home County Road’ is the best thing I’ve ever seen at the Royal Court. It’s a superb, laugh-a-minute piece of local theatre that’s so cleverly written.
Adam McCoy’s script is a work of genius. It’s so well-paced and genuinely hilarious; audience members were cackling, constantly applauding, and crying with laughter. Not only is it funny, but it’s really well written in terms of its plot and dynamics, leading to some touching moments - especially towards the end of Act 2. Emma Bird has directed the show, and together with movement director Beverley Edmunds, they have created a slick, virtually flawless production.
The music within the show is also strong; the arrangements are nice, and there are some great song choices. All five of the cast deliver tremendous vocal performances - Helen Carter tackles ‘And I Will Always Love You’ with ease, and Adam McCoy’s ‘Man I Feel Like A Woman’ is one of the highlights of the show. If I’m being picky, it’s a shame we don’t get a full drag moment from him, but what we do get is still amazing.
Kerry Sutton’s performance as Margy has to be the standout of the show. She is just brilliantly bonkers and every little bit of her characterisation hits the sweet spot. I would pay good money to see a spin-off show of all of her Tinder dates! Helen Carter, Eithne Browne, Lenny Wood, and Adam McCoy also give exceptional performances, and the cast of five clearly all have great chemistry with each other.
The design within the show complements the action well. Alfie Heywood’s set and costume design is lovely and packed with lots of detail. The lighting (Doug Kuhrt), sound (Kate Harvey), and video (Jamie Jenkin) design are also all great. At times the lighting does clash with the projection, and it becomes harder to see what’s being projected, but aside from that, the design is great.
Overall, ‘Take Me Home County Road’ is nothing short of a must-see this summer. McCoy is a tour-de-force, writing and starring in this exceptional, hilarious show which is slick, well-paced, and performed by an extremely talented cast. The well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the show says it all - if you’re in Liverpool… you need to see this!
Take Me Home County Road plays at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre until 29 August 2026
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Written by Roby for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
