THE short opening projection sequence for the Royal Court's latest play, Take Me Home County Road, is very impressive.
It hits home . . . We hone in on a kitchen were nearly all the action takes place for the next two hours with a home -grown story with a very big heart.
The cast of five immediately connect with the audience from the outset with a lovely opening Dolly Parton number called Two Doors Down.
It sets the tone for a smashing piece of musical storytelling directed by Emma Bird and James Bracken's musical direction.
Happily there is a beginning, middle and fab finale.
It all flows along nicely on Alfie Heywood's set with the streets of Walton standing guard in the background.
The key upbeat factors in Adam McCoy’s debut play is that the dialogue and characterisation combine to makes this hearty love story of sorts a hit.
It is a love letter to a a community all played out on a country and western virtual jukebox.
It is a fine first piece of work from Adam packed with potential. He has a natural ability to strike a chord with acute observations. The actor knows the people who come to The Peoples' Theatre because he has been appearing on that very stage.
And, of course, there's a top-notch cast of actors and singers to bring it all to life.
It is a tale about a 40-something Shelly (Helen Carter). she is a Shirley Valentine-type woman who never stopped dreaming of fulfilment in her life and love choices.
One of her passions is country and western music and she wonders if there's to still an encore deep inside her.
Helen plays her perfectly - you feel for her and like her. There are moments of true poignancy beautifully conveyed.
Husband Mick (Lenny Wood) works hard as an electrician but who is the mysterious texter causing Shelly to doubt their marriage of 22 years?
Shelly's family and friends reflect the core of this bright and breezy comedy.
It has a strong soap opera feel to it and the pacing is spot on.
Eithne Browne is mum Joan and we all know a Joan. She offers advice and weirdly wisdom.
Keddy Sutton - another Royal Court super trouper supplies her usual breathless energy as dizzy Margy who has a penchant for on-line dating.
Adam McCoy also shines as the optimistic neighbour Anthony who has a secret.
He urges Shelly to enter a national TV Talent show and this is a highlight of act two as we go behind the scenes on the X Factor styled The Next Big Thing.
The strength of Take Me Home County Road is down to the ensemble teamwork.
You can see the cast are enjoying themselves and they want the audience to feel the same.
There are many outstanding solo musical numbers including Eithne 's soaring Stand By your Man and Helen's I Will always Love You another Dolly Parton classic lovingly recreated.
There are two cracking songs from Adam and Lenny - both striking in delivery.
No spoilers here but they are cleverly built into the storyline.
There is plenty of humour throughout and local references.
Oh and John Denver's tweaked song ticks all the boxes.
This is what I call a 'give-us-a-hug' styled show.
If you want to come away with a feel good smile on your face this is worth a mosey on down to the Royal Court, y'all.
VERDICT: Five stars - it’s a YES from me!
It is on until August 29. Tickets from 0151 709 4321.
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