The Anfield Apocalypse, currently playing at The Studio in The Royal Court Liverpool, is a zombie comedy that promises The Court’s classic Scouse wit and undead chaos- and while it doesn’t always hit the mark, it offers a lively, if uneven, night out.

From the outset, the show wrestles with repetition. Rachel Louise Clark’s gags occasionally circle back on themselves, and some scenes feel like déjà vu with slightly tweaked punchlines. Still, the premise- Liverpool under siege by zombies- is ripe for satire, and when the humour lands, it does so with real bite. The execution may be patchy, but there’s no shortage of ambition.

Under Sam Donovan’s direction, the tone veers between camp horror and sharp satire with hints of emotional drama. It’s a bold mix, though, at times, the production seems unsure of its footing. Its writing is peppered with some genuinely hilarious zingers but they’re occasionally lost in the shuffle of inconsistent delivery. It’s not always clear whether the issue lies in the book or the direction, but while some jokes fizzle, others spark laughter. The audience chuckles throughout and, while belly laughs are less frequent, they’re not entirely absent.

As Beryl, a rallying, no-nonsense, Scouse matriarch, Lyn Francis is a grounding beacon of light. Her performance is magnetic, injecting energy and comic timing into every scene. Whether she’s delivering a killer one-liner or reacting to the surrounding chaos, Francis consistently elevates the material and brings clarity and charisma to the stage. Liam Tobin’s Frank is equally strong- you know this character, and each line is delivered with precision and restraint. Jen Baron’s set design is spoton, transporting us to the heart of a two-up/two-down in Anfield, while Phil Dickinson’s lighting and sound design add clever, atmospheric touches.

Ultimately, The Anfield Apocalypse is a show with heaps of potential: the concept is strong and there are flashes of brilliance throughout. If you’re a fan of local comedy and zombie spoofs- think Shaun of the Dead if Shaun were a red- there’s certainly enough here to warrant a visit. Don’t expect every moment to fully survive the apocalypse, but it is totally ‘armless fun all the same.

The Anfield Apocalypse plays at Liverpool’s Royal Court until Saturday 18th October. Further information and booking can be found here.

Tickets received in exchange for an honest review. #AD

Photography by AB Photography.