Review: The Derby Days at Liverpool’s Royal Court

With the real-life Merseyside Derby playing out at Anfield this weekend, the timing couldn’t be better for Liverpool’s Royal Court to stage The Derby Days.

This latest production carries on the theatre’s proud tradition of raucous Scouse comedies while shining a light on the fierce, lifelong passion with which Liverpudlians follow their chosen team. I say “chosen” – but really, you’re born into it. Red or Blue. Family tradition decides.

The rivalry, of course, is legendary. Ask a Red and he’ll admit there are two teams in Liverpool – then quickly add, “Yes… Liverpool FC and Liverpool Reserves.”

The story centres on a “mixed marriage”. Dave Derby and Debbie Days never actually made it to the altar, but they’ve shared a living room divided down the middle for years. His half is draped in Liverpool red – scarves, posters, photos and memorabilia – while hers proudly flies the Everton blue, complete with a framed slogan that cheekily declares: “I’d Rather Walk Alone.”

The sparring between Dominic Carter and Sarah White feels so authentic, you’d swear they really were Red and Blue in real life.

Tensions boil over when their daughter Chloe (Ellie Clayton) returns home to announce her pregnancy – and introduce her fiancé, Marc (Elliott Kingsley). To keep the peace, Chloe grew up pretending allegiance: Red with Dad, Blue with Mum, and acting completely uninterested whenever they were all together. The act crumbles when Marc is revealed to be… a Manc. Cue uproar at the prospect of a Manchester United fan joining the family!

What follows is a fast-paced, laugh-a-minute rollercoaster that more than lives up to the Royal Court’s reputation for comedy gold. Ian Salmon’s script pokes fun at both sides in equal measure, brought brilliantly to life by a superb cast under Nicole Behan’s sharp direction.

Whether you’re Red, Blue, or couldn’t care less about football, The Derby Days delivers a cracking night out. It runs at the Royal Court until 18th October.