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  • Venue Southwark Playhouse Elephant, London
  • Performance dates Booking to 21 March 2026
  • Running time 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)
  • Age guidelines 12+

Book tickets to major new folk musical Ballad Lines at Southwark Playhouse Elephant in London.

Ballad Lines is a heart-opening and searingly honest new musical shining a light on identity, belonging and the stories we choose to carry with us.

The show is created by award-winning singer-songwriter Finn Anderson (Islander, Streets) and West End director Tania Azevedo (&Juliet, But I’m a Cheerleader).

Blending original music with traditional Scottish, Irish and Appalachian ballads, the show explores the ancestral stories that connect generations.

Ballad Lines features a hugely talented cast including Frances McNamee (Girl from the North Country), Olivier Award-winner Rebecca Trehearn (Becoming Nancy, City of Angels) and Kirsty Findlay (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical).

Ballad Lines is playing at Southwark Playhouse Elephant in London from 23 January to 21 March 2026.

Ballad Lines is centred on Sarah, a queer woman in New York drawn back to her folk roots.

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Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details


Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Ballad Lines?

  • Frances McNamee as Sarah
  • Rebecca Trehearn as Betty
  • Sydney Sainté as Alix
  • Kirsty Findlay as Cait
  • Ally Kennard as Jamie, Thomas, Ronan / Dance Captain
  • Yna Tresvalles as Jean
  • Gracie Lai as Morna / Ancestor
  • Siân Louise Dowdalls as Shona / Ancestor

Who are the creative team of Ballad Lines?

  • Finn Anderson – Co-Creator and Composer/Lyricist
  • Tania Azevedo – Co-Creator and Director
  • Shonagh Murray – Music Director
  • Tinovimbanashe Sibanda – Choreographer
  • TK Hay – Set Designer
  • Simon Wilkinson – Lighting Designer
  • Andy Johnson – Sound Designer
  • Eliza Beth Stevens – Assistant Director
  • James Anderton – Production Manager
  • Kristie Winsen – General Manager
  • Jane Deitch – Casting Director

Important Notes

Content warning: This production contains references to miscarriage, abortion, maternal mortality, and sexual abuse.

Access performances: Captioned – Wednesday, 11 March, 7pm

Venue Information

Southwark Playhouse Elephant , Dante Place, 80 Newington Butts, London, SE11 4FL

Nearest Tube or Train: Elephant & Castle

Nearest Buses: 196, 133, 155, 333, 415

Directions

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Critics' reviews of Ballad Lines

★★★★ "Heartbreaking, full-throated folk music for the ages" - The Guardian

★★★★ "Heartwarming, poignant and deeply human" - What's On Stage

★★★★ "One of the most exciting new musicals" - Broadway World

★★★★ "One of the most impressive scores from any new musical in a number of years" - All That Dazzles


Frequently Asked Questions

Ballad Lines is playing at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant in London
The running time of Ballad Lines is 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)
The age recommendations for Ballad Lines are: 12+
Yes, Ballad Lines has matinee performances on the following days: Thursday, Saturday
No, sorry, Ballad Lines has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.