Taking the Piste at Liverpool’s Royal Court Review
Holly Mimi Bernice, Paul Duckworth & Michael Starke. Image: AB Photography
Written by Roby for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Taking The Piste is next up in the Royal Court’s 2026 season and it is the epitome of a Royal Court show; a fun night out at the theatre packed with Scouse wit, a talented cast and great design elements. It tells the unbelievably true story of the Kirkby Ski Slope that was built right next to the M57.
Kieran Lynn has written the show brilliantly, and created a superb, generally well-paced retelling of the events. One or two moments may drag, but ultimately the show’s brilliantly bonkers plot keeps you on your toes. With the help of John Young’s direction, the writing is really brought to life on stage, and the comedy moments nearly always land. My only issue with the writing is the use of sexist stereotypes. Of course, these were unfortunately the norm in the 1970s when the play is set. However, it seems as though these stereotypes have been used by Lynn to create cheap laughs. Kelly White (played by Hayley Sheen) is an outspoken character who stands up for what she believes in. Yet, she never stands up to these sexist stereotypes – they aren’t used to aid the plot and to me just felt a little bit unnecessary in a show that wasn’t focusing on attitudes towards women in the 1970s.
The cast throughout deliver excellent performances. Liverpool legend Michael Starke probably gets the most laughs of the night, and his chemistry with Paul Duckworth is sensational. They’re a duo I would love to see again at the Royal Court and certainly stole the show for me. The rest of the cast (Elliot Kingsley, Hayley Sheen, Holly Mimi Bernice, and Vicky Binns) all give great performances; their characterisation is strong, and their comedic timing is superb. Personally, I thought it was a shame we didn’t see more of the Echo Newspaper characters (particularly those played by Michael Starke, Paul Duckworth, and Holly Mimi Bernice); they’re exciting, animated characters that have much potential for some hilarious moments. But this potential is never fully explored, perhaps because they aren’t really relevant to the show.
Another personal standout of the show for me was Jasmine Swann’s set and costume design. I love when a Royal Court production uses their revolve, and Swann’s set did not disappoint. The attention to detail is brilliant, and I loved the hanging lights that were brought down in the office and pub scenes. Swann also tackles the difficult challenge of building a ski slope with ease, and the use of signs throughout are very amusing.
Overall, Taking The Piste is a must-watch for Scousers this summer (not to mention, the Royal Court is extremely cool – an extra bonus in this heat!). It’s an entertaining evening that lives up to the high standards I now have for the Royal Court. Backed by a talented cast and hilarious writing, the show is certainly a must-ski!
Taking the Piste runs at Liverpool’s Royal Court until Saturday 18th July 2026.
★★★★