Cast has been announced for Ballad Lines at the Southwark Playhouse
The musical will run from 23rd January to 21st March 2026
Three generations. Timeless ballads. One unforgettable story.
From award-winning singer-songwriter Finn Anderson (‘Islander’ (Southwark Playhouse Borough, Off Broadway), ‘Streets’) and West End director Tania Azevedo (‘&Juliet’, ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’), Ballad Lines is a heart-opening new musical that shines a light on identity, belonging and the stories we choose to carry with us.
Sarah thought she’d left her childhood behind. A queer woman living in New York City, she’s long severed ties with the folk traditions of her upbringing. But when old ballads resurface, so do the voices of her ancestors — pulling her on a life-changing journey across time.
The cast is led by Frances McNamee as Sarah, joined by 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 and Sian Louise Dowdalls as Shona/Ancestor.
Spanning continents and generations, Ballad Lines follows three women bound together by blood, song, and choice. In 17th-century Scotland, Cait, a minister’s wife, wrestles with the constraints of her role. In 18th-century Ireland, Jean, a spirited teenager, faces an uncertain future. In 21st-century New York, Sarah is caught between the life she’s built and the pull of the past.
Blending original music with traditional Scottish, Irish, and Appalachian ballads, Ballad Lines is a story of love, legacy, and the ties that bind us all.
The musical is directed by Tania Azevedo, music director Shonagh Murray, choreographer Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, set designer TK Hay, lighting designer Simon Wilkinson, sound designer Andy Johnson, assistant director Elizs Beth Stevens, production manager James Anderton, general manager Kristie Winsen, casting director Jane Deitch, social media manager Yian Assefy-Waterdrinker, marketing and ticketing manager Paul Hicks.
Ballad Lines is co-produced with Wolk Transfer Company and TRW Production. An earlier version of Ballad Lines (previously ‘A Mother’s Song’) was first produced at Macrobert Arts Centre in 2023 by KT Producing and Macrobert Arts Centre.
Listen Back in the Box from Ballad Lines here:
