Ballad Lines
Southwark Playhouse Elephant
- Opens: Friday, 23 January 2026 -
Booking until: Saturday, 21 March 2026
Ballad Lines description
Feel the love unfurl as Ballad Lines weaves a fascinating story to gorgeous music.
Three generations, timeless ballads, and an unforgettable tale unfold on stage at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. Ballad Lines comes from the award-winning singer-songwriter-lyricist Finn Anderson (Streets, Islander - Southwark Playhouse Borough and Off Broadway) in collaboration with West End director Tania Azevedo (&Juliet, But I’m a Cheerleader). Exploring identity, belonging, love, legacy, and the stories we choose to carry around with us, a beautiful blend of original music and traditional Scottish, Irish, and Appalachian tunes adds richness and flavour to the story.
Dating back to 2014, originally called A Mother’s Song and produced at Macrobert Arts Centre in 2023, the plot spans continents, generations, and three very different women. You'll meet Sarah, who believes childhood is far behind her. As a gay woman living in New York City, the folk traditions of her childhood have no meaning. But then the old ballads start to resurface along with the powerful voices of her ancestors, and she begins a life-changing journey through time. In 1600s Scotland, minister's wife Cait battles with the constraints of her role. Meanwhile, in Ireland during the 1700s, teenager Jean is facing an uncertain future. And in 21st-century America, Sarah herself is trapped between her new life and the attraction of the past.
Shonagh Murray is the Music Director, and Tinovimbanashe Sibanda is the Choreographer. TK Hay is the
Set Designer, with Simon Wilkinson on Lighting Design and Andy Johnson on Sound Design. Jane Deitch is the Casting Director, and the show is co-produced with Wolk Transfer Company and TRW Production.
Welcome more music into your life with Ballad Lines tickets, a unique theatre experience that'll leave you uplifted and inspired.
