By the waters of Liverpool coming this September!
As autumn approaches, theatregoers can enjoy the By The Waters Of Liverpool Autumn 2023 UK Tour. This production promises to take audiences on an emotional journey through the fascinating life story of best-selling author Helen Forrester, offering a unique opportunity to experience her narrative come alive on stage.
The tour, which is set to run for eight weeks, will grace a total of 13 venues across the country. Opening in Liverpool on September 4th, 2023, the tour will culminate in the enchanting New Brighton in late October. Both cities hold profound significance in Helen Forrester's life story, making this tour a poignant homage to her literary legacy.
The creative team behind "By The Waters Of Liverpool" boasts an impressive lineup of talent. The production features an ensemble cast of nine, skillfully navigating the portrayal of over 50 characters. Notable actors, including Tom Roberts of "Coronation Street," Joe Gill of "Emmerdale," and Emma Mulligan in the lead role of Helen Forrester, lend their remarkable skills to bring this poignant tale to life, along with the talented Liverpool actor Samantha Alton who works closely with the amazing team at Artsgroupie.
The tour's trajectory closely follows the riverbanks of the iconic River Mersey, a setting that played a pivotal role in Helen Forrester's books. From the grandeur of Liverpool to the charm of New Brighton, each venue chosen for the tour carries with it a piece of Helen's rich narrative tapestry.
The journey of By The Waters Of Liverpool has been one of resilience and determination. Originally slated for a 12-week tour in the spring of 2020, the production's debut was curtailed by the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the team's unwavering commitment and the enduring love for Helen Forrester's legacy have paved the way for this final chapter to grace the stage.
Rob Fennah, the writer, and producer, has been a steadfast guardian of Helen Forrester's literary heritage. His long-standing friendship with the author forged through the adaptation of her first book, "Twopence To Cross The Mersey," is evident in his weaving together elements from various volumes of Helen's autobiography. This ensures that both loyal fans and newcomers gain a greater understanding of her remarkable life. He explains,
“We’ve had a fantastic run with Twopence To Cross The Mersey over the years, with hundreds of thousands of theatregoers flocking to see it. This new Helen Forrester play, By The Waters Of Liverpool, is an adaptation of her third autobiography and the final chapter of Helen’s life in Liverpool during the Great Depression."
The production's emotional resonance is heightened by its connection to the Helen Forrester Estate. Robert Bhatia, Helen's son, says, “The partnership between playwright Rob Fennah and my mother Helen, and her legacy, has been outstanding.”
Helen’s literary achievements were further celebrated in 2020 to mark her 100th Birthday when an iconic Blue Plaque was unveiled at the Forrester family home in Hoylake on the Wirral, a place that featured heavily in her work.
As the curtains rise on the By The Waters Of Liverpool Autumn 2023 UK Tour, audiences can expect a spellbinding experience that seamlessly merges drama, history, and emotion.
Admin: Sam Matthews
Edited by, Christopher Woodward