A fabulous, funny and heartfelt piece, where County Road meets country music and dreams refuse to stay buried
County Road (Take Me Home) at the Liverpool Royal Court is a funny, sharply written play that blends Liverpool local identity with a love of country and western music. The title works as both an ode to North Liverpool’s County Road and a clever nod to the classic country anthem “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” reimagined to root the story firmly in the city while tapping into a wider musical nostalgia.
At the heart of the play is Shelly, a *County* Road girl through and through, who once had the talent, and the drive to go far. Now in her forties, she finds herself in a life that’s perfectly fine on the surface: steady job, solid marriage, great mates -but quietly lacking something. It’s this sense of restlessness that drives the story forward and Shelley decides to put herself out there and audition for a talent show.
The writing captures Liverpool life with warmth and authenticity, full of sharp one-liners and recognisable characters, and the audience were clearly eating it up throughout. There’s a natural rhythm to the dialogue that keeps the laughs coming, but the play never shies away from more reflective moments netween characters. Shelly’s relationship with her husband Mick, in particular, feels grounded and believable.
The set design adds to this sense by creating a homely, lived-in atmosphere that draws you straight into Shelly’s world.
One standout moment is the talent show scene, a particular highlight that cleverly throws back to the era of X Factor around 2010. It’s both hilarious and nostalgic, capturing a very specific cultural moment while also reinforcing Shelly’s lost ambitions.
This play is a feel good piece that reminds us that it is never too late to pursue your dreams but also not to take for granted what we have in terms if community and loved ones.
By the end, County Road leaves a lasting impression as both a celebration of place and a thoughtful character study. It’s funny, relatable, and quietly poignant- ultimately, a fabulous piece of theatre that feels true to the spirit of Liverpool (as all Royal Court pieces do).
County Road Take Me Home is playing at the Royal Court until August 29th.