Moraghan reprises Twopence role

Mark Moraghan appears in Twopence to Cross the Mersey

Liverpool actor Mark Moraghan is back in his home city to star in Twopence to Cross the Mersey.

The ex-Holby City star, who was born in Toxteth, will play the role of father at the Liverpool Empire.

Mark has recently released a swing album with Five Live's Nicky Campbell called Moonlight's Back in Style.

"I did Friday Night is Music Night on Radio 2 with a 60 piece orchestra and that was unbelievable", he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

The musical also stars former Shameless actor Ciaran Kellgren and Pauline Daniels.

Mark, who was a runner up in 2008 Celebrity Masterchef, says working with Pauline Daniels has been one of the most enjoyable parts of the Twopence experience, "In the green room in between rehearsals she cracks everybody up, she's laughing and joking all day.

"So, if we're all sitting there miserable she brightens everyone's day."

It's not the first time Mark has played the father role in Twopence to Cross the Mersey but despite that he says this time there are new things to learn, "We're rehearsing hard," Mark said.

Mark Moraghan as Owen in BBC One's Holby City

"So far it's gone well, some of the script has changed but the general gist of the story is still as it was, so a lot of it has come back to me thankfully.

"I was a bit worried how I was going to find re-learning the lines but it's coming together well.

"The music is so catchy.

"The melodies are gorgeous, every song in the show has got a really catchy melody."

While many of his acting roles have a had a modern feel Mark says if he could play any star from history it would be one of the silver screen greats.

"I'd probably say someone like Gene Kelly, I think he was a genius, Fred Astaire would be another one."

Twopence to Cross the Mersey is at the Liverpool Empire from 6 - 7 October, 2009.