Acclaimed new country musical Under the Mersey Moon enjoyed a starring role in the final chapter of ITV’s iconic 7 Up series last night (September 22, 2026).
The musical’s co-writer Peter Davies is one of the original 14 children selected from widely different backgrounds to take part in the late Michael Apted’s landmark documentary series, which was initially intended as a one-off but has gone on to follow their lives, checking in with each of them every seven years since 1964.
Last night, millions of TV viewers tuned in to watch 70 Up – the concluding part of the seven-decade series, and which reconnected with the remaining participants as they prepare to enter their 70s.
Davies, from Aigburth, dropped out of the series after 28 Up in 1984 but rejoined in 2012.
In 70 Up, viewers caught a glimpse of preparations for the premiere of Under the Mersey Moon in New Brighton last year – with the TV appearance also coming ahead of the inspiring and heartwarming show’s Liverpool debut at the Epstein Theatre this November.
A camera crew filmed songwriter Peter, his Under the Mersey Moon co-writer Jimmy Rae and their cast in the rehearsal room and also shot some of the musical’s hugely successful premiere performance in the Floral Pavilion’s Blue Lounge.
The episode featured brief scenes from the musical and included an extract of The Ghost of a Cowboy, one of 12 original songs in the show.
Davies said: “ITV were only too keen to film parts of the show, as it represents an important part of my life in the last few years. Jimmy and I are very proud of it, and hopefully the TV exposure will attract a wider audience to the Epstein, and maybe beyond.”
Under the Mersey Moon comes to the Epstein Theatre in Hanover Street from 11-13 November.
The musical 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 described the musical as having “the potential to be another Twopence to Cross the Mersey.”
It returned to the New Brighton waterfront venue this spring, playing to audiences in the main theatre where it enjoyed packed houses and standing ovations along with five-star reviews.
Local radio legend Billy Butler and actress wife Lesley Butler are set to reprise their roles as Grandad Harry and Carol in the hit show, with Samuel Heller also returning in the central role of Danny Rogers.
They will be joined on stage by returning cast of Christopher Lee-Power, Adam Johnson, Catherine Howard, Sarah-Lou Fletcher, Jodie White, Jimmy Rae, Del Willden and Al Peters and new cast members Roxanne Male as Louise and Lee Clotworthy as Mike.
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.
Under the Mersey Moon’s original songs are performed by a live, five-piece band and the cast, and the production is directed by Brian McCann.
Songwriters Jimmy Rae and Peter Davies are firm favourites with Merseyside roots and acoustic music fans through their respective duos, Tennessee Waltz and Good Intentions.
Rae, 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.
Davies was born in Liverpool to a Welsh father and English mother. After studying history at the University of London, he taught for several years before going into law.
He has always been a singer-songwriter, forming award-winning alt-country band the Good Intentions. Along with Under the Mersey Moon, he has written a very well-received and critically acclaimed novel, Valediction Records.
