The star of author Helen Forrester’s classic Liverpool play, Twopence to Cross the Mersey has launched a new run of the show.

Jamie Hampson, who played Helen in between 2004 and 2007, handed over the show’s famous pram to the new star, Maria Lovelady, ahead of a six-week tour of four Merseyside theatres, including the Epstein Theatre.

Twopence to Cross the Mersey, Forrester’s best-selling memoir, tells the tale of a young girl thrown into poverty during the Great Depression if the 1930s, as her family moves to Liverpool to rebuild their lives.

On handing over the pram, Jamie Hampson says: “This pram is one of the stars of the show because when people see it they immediately connect with Helen Forrester and Twopence to Cross the Mersey”.

Maria Lovelady says: “I am really thrilled to be involved in a story loved by Helen Forrester’s millions of readers. It conveys such a vivid picture of Liverpool at a particular time. I was delighted to meet Jamie, who has such a wonderful insight having played the role on many occasions. I will do my very best to recreate the character in the book and try to bring a powerful and poignant portrayal of Helen to the stage, as Jamie did.”

Twopence to Cross the Mersey tickets are available now for the Epstein Theatre on 10 – 28 March, Southport Theatre on 9 – 11 April, St Helens Theatre Royal from 14 – 16 April and Floral Pavilion from 19 – 23 April.

Pic – David Munn

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