“Red or blue?”, the first question any Scouser gets asked when speaking to someone from outside the city. In the case of Chloe Derby-Day, her dad’s a red, her mum’s a blue, so where does she fit in? Ian Salmon’s The Derby-Days gives the audience a peek into the ramifications of what supporting opposing teams can do to a family.  

With direction from Nicole Behan, the cast are the true highlight of this production, each bringing Salmon’s witty naturalism to life. Sarah White as Debbie, and Dominic Carter as Dave, have undeniable chemistry onstage, volleying the one-liners perfectly and flawlessly convey a couple at war. Elliott Kingsley brings a naive charm to Marc and is entirely relatable as the non-resident who has no idea what’s going on. Ellie Clayton is superb in her physicality as Chloe; no matter if she’s in the spotlight or not, she still manages to bring a laugh, stealing the show entirely during a zoom-call projected onto Alfie Heywood’s realistic and functional set. Brought to life through Ian Scott’s bold lighting and Jamie Jenkin’s AV, it’s at its pinnacle during Act 2’s opening scenes. 

Where the play doesn’t quite hit the mark is that the book occasionally hits the crossbar. It’s certainly funny, it’s just not hilarious- particularly Act 1 which is very soap-opera (without the dramatics) and intermittently verges on repetitive. Sometimes, it’s just a little too much of a slow burner. It is, however, certainly appreciated to have a script not rely on expletives for humour, with one standout joke taking a second to land, but well worth the punchline in Act 2. At times it feels that certain topics are shoehorned and perhaps it’s with the best intention to spread awareness of current themes but, without going in full-force, it’s throwaway. Act 2, though, brings a cohesive and punchier act, ensuring a solid final whistle. 

I must admit, I thought going into the play that, as someone who can’t stand football, it would be a bit of a dud. But, when I’m wrong, I say I’m wrong, and I was wrong about The Derby-Days. There’s something for the reds, the blues and those that are neither. With themes of family, acceptance and of course, football, the Court shoots and scores four out of five in this penalty shootout.  

Tickets received in exchange for an honest review. #AD

Photography by Andrew AB Photography.