Open auditions are being held to find a talented young actor for a brand-new stage adaptation of Helen Forrester’s Twopence To Cross The Mersey, which will visit 15 theatres across the UK as part of its tour later this year.

The UK premiere tour of Twopence To Cross The Mersey will open on 6 September at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, before visiting Rhyl, Stockport, Crewe, St Helens, Blackpool, Warrington, Darlington, Halifax, Croydon, Coventry, Lichfield, Bolton, Southport, and Liverpool.

In 1931, Helen's spendthrift father was declared bankrupt forcing the family to leave behind the nannies, servants, and beautiful middle-class home in the gentler Southwest of England. With nothing more than the clothes they stood up in, the family of nine took the train to Liverpool where they hoped to rebuild their shattered lives. It came as a terrible shock to find the thriving, wealthy port Helen's father remembered as a boy, the place his own father made his fortune, had long since gone.

While 12-year-old Helen's inept parents searched unsuccessfully to find work, she was taken out of school to look after her six younger siblings and the full burden of keeping house fell on Helen's young shoulders. Having never had to manage a family budget in their previous life, the Forrester's found themselves relying on meagre handouts from the local parish, charity organisations and the kindness of strangers.

At the age of 14, Helen had finally had enough of her miserable existence and so began a bitter fight with her mother and father to attend evening school in an effort to educate herself and make her own way in the world. But Helen's parents had no intention of releasing their unpaid slave. They had other plans for their selfish daughter.

Open auditions for the role of young Helen Forrester will take place on Tuesday 5 April at the Epstein Theatre on Hanover Street in Liverpool City Centre. Registration will open at 10am.

The actor will be required to join the cast from 22 August–12 November for the full rehearsal and performance schedule so anyone attending the audition must check their full availability in advance.

Actors must be aged 18 or over, to play the role of a 12/14-year-old Helen, be under 5ft 2in (maximum) and of petite build. The actor will be required to deliver a two-minute monologue of their own, which should include a very well-spoken RP English accent.

The successful actor will work alongside a well-known cast from stage and screen, to be announced soon.

Any enquiries can be sent to info@billelms.com

For more information on the show, please click here.