Twopence producers confirm sequel plans

Producers of Twopence to Cross the Mersey have announced today that a sequel to the musical, currently being staged at the Liverpool Empire theatre, is being planned for 2011.

Rob Fennah, of Wirral-based Pulse Records and Productions, who has adapted and produced Twopence, said: “There are four books covering Helen Forrester’s autobiography; Twopence to Cross the Mersey, Liverpool Miss, By the Waters of Liverpool and Lime Street at Two. Our current show covers Helen’s early life when she and her family first arrived in Liverpool. Lime Street at Two will pick up the story in 1940 when Helen is working as a social worker in Liverpool during the war years.”

Last month, the team behind the show revealed it had reached £2million at the box office, which included the 2004 and 2007 productions that also appeared at the Liverpool Empire. Due the success of Twopence to Cross the Mersey it has prompted a move for a sequel as well as the popularity of all four of Helen Forrester’s books.

Alan Fennah, co-producer on the show, said: “With plans underway to take Twopence to Cross the Mersey on a UK tour it will be great to have Lime Street at Two ready to premiere in Liverpool while Twopence is playing in other cities.”

Rob Fennah added: “We are really looking forward to bringing the final volume of Helen’s classic autobiography to life in the city which featured so predominantly in her work.”

Twopence to Cross the Mersey runs at the Liverpool Empire until 17 October. For tickets call 0844 847 2525.

The Whatsonstage.com review of this year’s production can be read here