Hit musical Under the Mersey Moon set to return at Floral Pavilion in 2026

Following a triumphant debut earlier this year, the feel-good country musical Under the Mersey Moon is set to make a grand return to the Floral Pavilion in 2026, taking to the main stage for three special performances over Valentine’s weekend.

Originally premiering in the venue’s more intimate Blue Lounge, the show quickly became the space’s best-selling new musical, playing to packed audiences and receiving standing ovations at every performance.

In addition to the critical and popular success, audiences generously donated over £600 to the Friends of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity during the show’s original run.

Now, due to overwhelming demand, Under the Mersey Moon will move to the Floral Pavilion’s 800-seat auditorium, with performances scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, February 14–15, 2026, including a Saturday matinee.

Beloved broadcaster Billy Butler and actress Lesley Butler are confirmed to return to the stage, reprising their roles in the production. Additional casting details will be revealed soon.

Created by celebrated Liverpool songwriters Jimmy Rae and Pete Davies, the musical features 13 original numbers performed by a live six-piece band and a cast of 12. Direction is led by Birkenhead native Brian McCann.

Under the Mersey Moon tells the inspirational story of Danny Rogers, a struggling country singer from Liverpool. Spurred on by his ailing grandfather, Danny sets off for Nashville in a last-ditch effort to achieve his dreams—only to discover that the journey might offer more than he expected.

The production earned glowing reviews during its debut, with critics praising it as “a fantastic production that truly had everything…emotion, drama, humour, great music and twists.” Music journalist and broadcaster Spencer Leigh remarked it had “the potential to be another Twopence to Cross the Mersey.”

Rae and Davies, both respected names in Merseyside’s acoustic music scene, are known for their work in the duos Tennessee Waltz and Good Intentions. Pete Davies is also familiar to viewers of Granada TV’s long-running ‘Up’ documentary series, which has chronicled his life—and those of 13 others—every seven years since 1964.

Reflecting on the show’s debut, Wirral-born Jimmy Rae said:

“We were blown away by the response to the first shows we performed in February at The Floral’s Blue Lounge. Pete and I really believed in the script, the songs and the story we developed together, but it’s not until you put it in front of a live audience that you know for sure if a show is any good.

“As it was, we had three packed houses, standing ovations after every show and quite a few people moved to tears by the storyline which was just amazing. We can’t wait to bring it to the Floral’s main stage next year with an even bigger and better production.”

Floral Pavilion manager Pauline Campbell added:

“Under the Mersey Moon premiered at the Floral Pavilion’s Blue Lounge earlier this year and the audiences at the three sell-out performances absolutely loved it.

“It’s a really special show, with a beautiful original score showcasing excellent local writers, so I’m thrilled that it’s returning to the Floral next year and that we’re able to support its transition to our main stage – and onwards to a regional tour!

“I can’t wait to see it again and I’m sure it will get even more standing ovations.”

Book tickets for Under the Mersey Moon on the Floral Pavilion website.

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