⭐ BALLAD LINES – A FOLK MUSICAL – LONDON PREMIERE ANNOUNCED FOR SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE – JANUARY 2026 ⭐
The London premiere of major new folk musical BALLAD LINES has been announced.
Co-created by award-winning Scottish singer-songwriter Finn Anderson (Islander) and award-winning director Tania Azevedo (But I’m A Cheerleader), BALLAD LINES (previously A Mother’s Song) is a heart-opening new musical directed by Azevedo that shines a light on identity, belonging and the stories we choose to carry with us.
The musical began in 2014, commissioned jointly by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Northwestern’s American Music Theatre Project. An earlier iteration of the musical received its world premiere in 2023 at Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling under its former title A Mother’s Song.
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.
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, steps into an uncertain future. In the present day, Sarah, a queer woman, finds herself torn between the life she’s built and the deep, unexpected pull of her ancestors’ voices.
BALLAD LINES weaves together original new songs with centuries-old traditional Scottish, Irish, and Appalachian ballads performed by an all-female band, breathing new life into music that has echoed through generations, unearthing the deep ties between storytelling, heritage, and identity.
A 17-track concept album, recorded by a guest cast, will be released on 12th September 2025. To celebrate the release there will be a special one-off concert at Cottiers in Glasgow on 15th September. For further information on the album and concert visit balladlines.com
BALLAD LINES is written by Finn Anderson and Tania Azevedo, with music & lyrics by Finn Anderson.
BALLAD LINES will play the Southwark Playhouse Elephant, running from 23rd January – 21st March 2026, with tickets on sale now.
I’m very excited for this one, don’t miss it! ! !
Thoughts? X x x
Tickets & more info – https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/ballad-lines/
