Ballad Lines

Ballad Lines blows most West End shows out of the water!

A new musical written by Finn Anderson and Tania Azevedo. The piece follows a woman in her thirties, Sarah (Fraces McNamee), who has just moved into her new apartment with her girlfriend, Alex (Sydney Sainté). Sarah has been left a box by her late Aunt Betty (Rebecca Trehearn), full of recordings of their family history from generations past. We meet Kate (Kirsty Findlay) and Jean (Yna Tresvalles) in their respective centuries, along with a myriad of other characters who begin to haunt Sarah’s new apartment while she is pondering over the idea of having children with Alex, who doesn’t share Sarah’s more optimistic views. The piece centres around motherhood and carrying on the legacy and life of those who have come before you.

Sarah is a protagonist that you route and feel for the entire piece. McNamee gives a performance full of energy channelled in the most perfect way. McNamee’s voice sores and her raw tone lends itself to the piece so graciously and adds a new level to the already incredible and sophisticated compositions. A performance that is so truly (un)believable from beginning to end.

Other stand out performances come from Sydney Sainté, Rebecca Trehearn and Yna Tresvalles. Sainté’s performance balances out the piece with comic timing to be so admired. Trehearn’s presence fills the space from the moment they occupy the stage, both in body and in voice – you are pulled in from the first step on stage. Tresvalles is showing us heaps of versatility, just coming off the SIX world tour. They get the opportunity to really show off their acting chops here and being from the States, they manage to capture the raw, energetic and proud essence that it means to be Scottish.

Truth be told, the entire company works seamlessly to deliver a well-rounded performance that flows and it is clear they make a great ensemble. Shona Murray’s Musical Direction along with the incredible on-stage band bring the piece to life more than any written word can explain. From the first chord I was brought to tears, which is telling of how passionate and detailed Anderson’s compositions are and, oh, the passion screams at you right from the stage. Avedezo’s Book feels natural and blends the songs together with such fluidity and their Direction on the production is unmatched – especially making sure the thrust staging feels natural and not forced, and with some beautiful vignettes throughout. Tinovimbanashe Sibanda’s choreography is sublime and it is clear there has been deep thought put into each movement, complimenting and adding to the compositions and direction.

Ballad Lines has incredible commercial potential, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this great production was picked up for a transfer to London or even the States. A unique and eye-opening production to what a great team, ensemble and company can achieve on such small scale. This show is not to be missed.

* * * * *  - 5 stars

Ballad Lines is running at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 21^st March with Tickets scaling from £20 - £45.