Twopence to Cross the Mersey at the Epstein Theatre Liverpool Review
Twopence to Cross the Mersey
Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
10-28 March 2015
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
Last night I visited The Epstein Theatre, Hanover Street, Liverpool for the first time. We were there to see the stage play Twopence to Cross the Mersey. We went by train and it is five minutes from Lime Street Station and a couple of minutes from Liverpool Central. We found it with no problems. There are lots of eateries and bars very close by so are spoilt for choice if you fancy a pre-show meal or drink.
The Epstein Theatre is very quaint with beautiful decor being on the small side it is a very intimate venue and suited this production perfectly. There is a gentleman near the entrance asking does anybody need the lift which is at the side. We declined but having now climbed the few flights of stairs to reach the auditorium I would advise you take the lift if you have walking or breathing problems. I was fine but my Mum and Auntie had to stop half way up for a rest. We picked our tickets up and were shown to our seats in the centre stalls row C, the view was very good but seats a little uncomfortable. All staff were friendly and most helpful. Having read the book many moons ago I was very much looking forward to the show.
Twopence (pronounced tuppence) to Cross the Mersey depicts the author Helen Forrester’s young life after the 1929 Wall Street crash. Helen’s father is made bankrupt and the large family travel back to Liverpool where their roots are to look for housing and work. The play shows the poverty and despair suffered by the ordinary people trying to get by and feed the family. We follow Helen through her formative years and her fight for independence and a chance of an education. Her mother who comes across as a rather selfish self-absorbed woman keeps Helen at home to care for her younger siblings when all Helen wants to do is learn.
The story is told clearly through the whole cast so is easy to follow even if you are not familiar with it. All actors play their parts perfectly and you get enthralled in their problems and worries. There are scatters of humour to lighten the mood too and a few mentions of Liverpool streets that went down well being a local location last night.
Maria Lovelady gives her all as Helen bringing an emotion and tension filled performance. Emma Dears mother is excellent, I left disliking her very much (a good sign?). Eithne Brown was superb in a number of roles playing each one exceptionally well and adding a touch of comedy. The rest of the ensemble Christopher Jordan, Jake Abraham, Brian Dodd, Roy Carruthers and Daniel Davies have great stage presence and make this adaptation one not to be missed.
Costumes are authentic. Scenery sets are basic and props minimal but the whole thing works.
A wonderful play that reminds us we must not forget our history and how lucky we are.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £15.50 to £22.50 (booking fees may apply).
Twopence to Cross the Mersey is at the Epstein Theatre in Liverpool until 28 March 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the ox office on 0844 888 4411.
The Epstein Theatre, Hanover House, 85 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 3DZ | 0844 888 4411
