Dates announced for Under the Mersey Moon at the Epstein Theatre

New country musical Under the Mersey Moon is set to make its Liverpool debut when it comes to the Epstein Theatre.

The inspiring and heartwarming show will be staged at the historic Hanover Street venue from 11-13 November 2026.

Under the Mersey Moon has received numerous plaudits since it was first staged at the Floral Pavilion’s Blue Lounge in 2025, with critics calling it “a fantastic production that truly had everything…emotion, drama, humour, great music and twists” and “a true testament to the magic that happens when local talent and authentic storytelling come together”, while music broadcaster and writer Spencer Leigh has described the musical as having “the potential to be another Twopence to Cross the Mersey.”

It returned to the New Brighton waterfront venue last month, this time playing to audiences in the main theatre where it enjoyed packed houses and standing ovations along with five-star reviews.

Now the musical is set to enjoy its Liverpool premiere at the Epstein Theatre with a three-night run this autumn.

Radio legend Billy Butler and actress wife Lesley Butler will reprise their roles as Grandad Harry and Carol in the hit show, with Samuel Heller reprising the central role of Danny Rogers.

And they will be joined on stage by returning cast of Samantha Alton, Christopher Lee- Power, Adam Johnson, Catherine Howard, Leslie Longley, Sarah-Lou Fletcher, Jodie White, Jimmy Rae, Del Willden and Al Peters.

Under the Mersey Moon is created by well-known Merseyside songwriters Jimmy Rae and Pete Davies and features 13 original songs which are performed by a live, five-piece band and cast of 12. It is directed by Brian McCann.

The musical tells the uplifting story of one man’s determination to follow his dream, and the enduring power of love, home and family.

Inspired by his ailing grandfather, Danny Rogers – a struggling country songwriter from Liverpool – embarks on a make-or-break pilgrimage to Nashville, hoping to be discovered at last.

Will he fulfil his dream? Or will it prove a very different journey of discovery?

Songwriters Jimmy Rae and Pete Davies are firm favourites with Merseyside roots and acoustic music fans through their respective duos, Tennessee Waltz and Good Intentions.

Liverpool-born Pete is also known to followers of Granada TV’s landmark ‘Up’ documentary series which has followed his life, along with 13 others born in the same year, every seven years since 1964.

Jimmy, from Wirral, has been writing and performing since the age of 17. In his 20s he was signed to RCA Records and EMI Music Publishing as one half of the 50s-influenced pop duo The Reverb Brothers. Championed by the late Janice Long, the duo supported OMD across the UK and Europe and recorded three singles and four Radio One sessions before going their separate ways in 1987.

He has continued to write and perform throughout his life while holding down a ‘proper’ job and it was in 2009, while decorating one of his children’s bedrooms, that the words and melody came to him for Under the Mersey Moon, his epic love song to Liverpool which has subsequently become a mainstay of his live shows and has been played many times on local radio. He continues to play the song as part of Tennessee Waltz with his wife and partner Sarah-Lou Fletcher.

Under the Mersey Moon co-writer Jimmy Rae said: 

“We’ve been bowled over by the reaction from audiences and reviewers at the Floral Pavilion where we’ve enjoyed two hugely successful runs of Under the Mersey Moon over the past year. So, I’m delighted that due to public demand we’re now bringing the musical to the fabulous Epstein Theatre for a very special Liverpool debut.

“Liverpool audiences can expect a heartwarming story which is full of drama, humour and emotion – along with a soundtrack of original songs which are performed live by a brilliant five-piece band and our hugely talented cast. I know people are going to love it just as much as all those who have already joined us on this exciting musical storytelling journey.”

Book your tickets on the Epstein Theatre website.

Find more theatre shows across Liverpool on our calendar.

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