Ballad Lines - Southwark Playhouse Elephant Review

Review by Mark

Ticket was gifted in return for an honest review 

Southwark Playhouse have done a remarkable job in producing some outstanding musicals in recent years. Operation Mincemeat and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button both enjoyed runs here. Ballad Lines, a new folk-infused musical, could follow their trajectory and transfer beyond. 

The company. Photo by Pamela Raith

This striking musical by Finn Anderson and Tania Azevedo has been developed over a number of years and finally lands in London. The writing is rich and the musical lyrically so gorgeous. 

The story unfolds over 3 generations. All connected through song, rooted in Scottish, Irish and Appalachian sounds. At the core of the story is Sarah (Frances McNamee), who, alongside her partner Alix (Sydney Sainté) move into a new apartment in New York. Here she discovers a box filled with tapes recorded by her Aunt Betty (Rebecca Trehearn).

The tapes feature recordings of ballads, songs that Sarah grew up with and often sings on the recordings. These tapes connect with her ancestors. Jean (Yna Tresvalles) and Cait (Kirsty Findlay). 

The bonding connection between Sarah, Jean and Cait is their journey with either wanting a baby or being pregnant. Sarah’s own personal journey to have a child is a powerful one that audience members may be able to resonate with. It grows more emotional as the piece goes on, with many a tear shed. 

The narratives weave like the lines of athe forementioned ballads. Their journeys mirror each other as the past and present resonate. Jean, a gutsy teenager, at 15 becomes pregnant and flees, whilst Cait is pregnant with a baby she doesn’t want. These are striking female stories, told with sensitivity, honesty and integrity. 

Finn Anderson’s score is a thing of complete beauty. The lyric-driven numbers are rich in their words and punchy in their folky beats. You can have a quiet soft ballad or then you can have a more foot-stomping number. You are completely swept up in the story and the music. Huge credit to the 4-piece band, Shonagh Murray (musical director and keys), Sally Simpson (fiddle), Maddy Salter (guitar) and Isis Dunthorne (Drums), what a sound they all create together. Paired with the crystal clear sound design of Andrew Johnson, it all sounds heavenly. 

The company. Photo by Pamela Raith

The 8 cast members are all outstanding in their delivery. Frances McNamee is a magical performer to watch, she draws you in and her vocals are superb. The use of Sarah watching the stories unfold in front of her is really clever and further roots the story’s emotional centre. 

Sydney Sainté as Alix is tender with a good comedic tone. The connection formed between McNamee and Sainté is strong, meaning you feel and connect with all the emotions they go through. 

Rebecca Trehearn never disappoints and is on top form as Betty. Her voice is a pleasure to hear and fits the show's soundscape beautifully. 

Yna Tresvalles navigates the most emotional strand of the story as Jean. Her heart-wrenching portrayal is one that stays with you. Kirsty Findlay makes her Cait really assured. Again, you believe everything being said or sung by both Tresvalles and Findlay.

There’s tremendous supporting work by Siân Louise Dowdalls as Shona. She brings a bouncing light energy to the role. Ally Kennard, the sole male in the company, multi-roles skillfully and Gracie Lai makes an impact as Morna. 

The company. Photo by Pamela Raith

What truly makes the production work is the flow. Tania Azevedo’s direction lets the production quite literally sing. It’s well-paced and the musical numbers are seamless with the text. TK Hay’s set design is effective in letting the words have an impact. There are no real showpieces here and rightly, that helps everything land. Tinovimbanashe Sibanda’s movement adds electric energy to the performance.

It may be too early to look beyond this run at Southwark Playhouse Elephant but this is a show that deserves to be seen. The female stories are written with care and the astonishingly good score will have you hooked. This lyrical exploration of family and motherhood is filled with beautiful ballads and stomping folk. An outstanding piece of theatre.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ballad Lines runs at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until Saturday 21st March 2026. Tickets are available from https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/

The company. Photo by Pamela Raith