Not a football fan? Feel like maybe this show isn’t for you? Think again! ‘Derby Days’ at the Royal Court is one for all with its witty dialogue, engaging pace and strong cast. With only four cast members, the play relies on the excellent dynamic between them all, and they deliver as a fantastic foursome.
The play follows married couple Dave Derby (Dominic Carter) and Debbie Day (Sarah White) who both support the ‘other side’. Dave’s a red and Debbie is a blue which inevitably causes a wealth of arguing in the Derby-Day house. The pair are used to this though as is their daughter Chloe (Ellie Clayton) who navigates the fighting by pretending not to like football at all. However, Chloe visits home with her new boyfriend Mark (Elliott Kingsley) who possesses a secret he has to try and keep hidden, inevitably causing chaos.
The cast smoothly deliver, which is no surprise given their acting experience. Dominic Carter (Game of Thrones) portrays grumpy red Dave effortlessly, offering continuous hilarity for the audience throughout. From his collection of many ‘trainees’ (trainers) to trying to hide his annoyance, Carter shines. Sarah White (Brookside) similarly delivers as Debbie who tries to keep Dave in check, letting him know when he ‘is in trouble’. The pair shine as this fighting couple with scenes between them that make you feel like they might end up throwing the furniture at each other in rage. A masterclass in acting here as the pair navigate their anger within the comic genre of the play.
Ellie Clayton (Educating Rita) is equally as fantastic as their ‘grown up’ daughter who has to keep her childlike parents in check and let them know they need to stop fighting and ‘grow up’. Elliott Kingsley (Boys from the Blackstuff) completes the line up playing Londoner Mark who wants to learn all about Liverpool and what places like ‘The Brick’ pub are really like. An excellent portrayal of this character who brings balance to the Derby-Day family.
Writer Ian Salmon (Girls Don’t Play Guitars, The Comeback Special) offers a hilarious script that had everyone in the audience laughing. Salmon cleverly interweaves the comic scenes with smaller emotional elements reflecting on family and what is truly important for the Derby-Days. Salmon also includes some social commentary inside of this script in terms of how Dave Derby needs to keep up with the times.
The set was highly effective in becoming the Derby Days house full of both Liverpool FC and Everton memorabilia. The show also utilised technology to drive the plot forward which was exciting and engaging and added another layer to the design. Costumes were fitting with the characters and plot even down to Dave’s underpants!
Derby Days is hilarious, fun and uplifting. It doesn’t matter what team you support or if you don’t even like the game – this is a win for all
Reviewer: Beth Easton
Reviewed: 18th September 2025
North West End UK Rating: