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Twopence To Cross The Mersey

Published Monday 16 April 2007 at 10:50 by Peter Grant

Two P or not to 2P? That was always Helen Forrester’s dilemma. The ‘Twopence’ it cost to get her across the Mersey on the ferry to see her gran was the impossible dream. She had to look after her six siblings in squalid conditions while her education suffered and her selfish parents smoked any financial grants away.

Here in Rob Fennah’s play, a family of nine move away from the city for father’s career, which fell apart when he was declared bankrupt. The depression of the thirties hit many and the Forresters misguidedly think that Liverpool, a once booming town, is the place to re-invent. Sadly the city, too, is on a life support machine and they settle on the penniless banks of the Mersey.

Adapted from Forrester’s autobiography, the words and music are by award-winning writers Rob and Alan Fennah. With stalwart actor Andrew Schofield and ex-Bread star, Nick Conway, in the cast as belligerent dockers there is a lot of humour.

Designer Candida Boyes, formerly of Mersey TV fame, has upgraded her stylish set and it is visually stunning, with pre-war adverts on glass hoarding, for such items as Brasso and Bovril, illustrating the thirties period very well.

Mike Neary’s musical direction keeps the balance of ballads and uptempo songs at an even pace, from I Don’t Care Much Anymore to Butterfly in the Rain.

Pauline Daniels as the narrator (senior Helen) is sparkling. Mark Moraghan, using an upper class accent as opposed to his last TV role in Holby City as a Liverpudlian MD, is a revelation. Jamie Clarke, daughter of TV’s Michael Starke of Coronation Street, has a powerful delivery and presence.

The songs are poignant, especially Burning Flame setting the stage alight at the finale.

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