Friday 30 January 2026 4:40 pm
| Updated:
Friday 30 January 2026 4:41 pm
Ballad Lines | Southwark Playhouse Elephant | ★★★☆☆
A Jacobean vicar’s wife, a pregnant Presbyterian teen and a 21st-century New York lesbian walk into a bar – this isn’t a joke, just the setup for new musical Ballad Lines. Co-written by Finn Anderson and Tania Azevedo, Ballad Lines dives into the lives of Cait, Jean and Sarah, three women from the same blood line but very different times – 17th-century Scotland, 18th-century Ireland and 21st-century America – connected by heritage, womanhood but, more importantly, the power of song, with the score blending Scottish, Irish and Appalachian folk ballads.
Bringing them together structurally in the show is a box of tape recordings, left to Sarah, our millennial leading lady, by her estranged aunt.
If that sounds like a lot, that’s because it is a lot. Choosing to weave three storylines together is one thing, but choosing to place all three in different countries and centuries is quite another, and this show does end up faltering under the sheer scale of its own ambition.
That’s not to say there isn’t a lot to like though. The cast, for one thing, are near faultless, especially vocally, while the main theme – female bodily autonomy – is eerily pertinent. Kirsty Findlay’s performance as Cait, a 1600s Scotswoman desperate to abort her pregnancy, is particularly heartwrenching, while Yna Tresvalles and Siân Louise Dowdalls are a breath of fresh air as spirited Irish sisters Jean and Shona setting out to cross the Atlantic. The score too, which has hints of Once, Come From Away and Hadestown about it, has some real moments of power (The Water Deep, Red Red River).
A show with a lot of ambition
Table of Contents
- 1. A show with a lot of ambition
- 2. Similarly tagged content:
- 3. Sections
- 4. Categories
- 5. People & Organisations
- 6. what are the key characteristics of a “muddled musical” that still has moments of brilliance?
- 7. A Muddled musical with Moments of Brilliance
- 8. Defining the “Muddled Musical”
- 9. Case Study: Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2011-2014)
- 10. why do these Shows Happen? Common Causes
- 11. Identifying Potential: How to spot the Brilliance
- 12. The Value of the “Flawed Gem”
The span of the show, however, leaves yawning gaps. This is a show about connectivity, yet it jumps between hundreds of years at what feels like whim, with few markers for the audience. Had I not read the press material, I would have been at a loss at what centuries we were constantly switching between, while the relatively small stage presumably necessitates the use of (intentionally?) anachronistic props (a Le Creuset in Carolean Scotland) and muddled costuming (Jean’s polyester long sleeve under her corset gives a cool Victoriana-punk vibe, though she’s neither in the Victorian or punk era).
With a lot of story to get through, some of the characters are left feeling more like tropes. Betty, speaking to her niece Sarah from the tapes with arm-swinging aphorisms of the likes of “a ballad ain’t worth singing if it ain’t true to life”, is particularly guilty as an All-American Aunt.
Meanwhile, the gravity of the ancestors’ stories leave Sarah’s troubles looking a little pale in comparison. Where her ancestors wait for treacherous boat crossings, Sarah’s conflict centres around an apparently all-consuming housewarming party. The contrast may be the point, but it nonetheless makes Sarah’s definitely real problems feel a little shallow. Information about Sarah’s own family problems are drip-fed, and whatever happened to her actual parents (it’s implied she was largely raised by Aunt Betty though it’s not entirely clear) is not even mentioned, which, in a musical all about motherhood, feels like quite the omission.
That all said, there is something about this show that is affecting. The first act is in need of speeding up, but it rapidly gains pace in the second half and hits a real crescendo. I couldn’t help but think it needs something like the opener of Hamilton, in which the audience is given all the exposition in a single song. For a story as expansive as this, I think a similar Shakespearean-type prologue could be helpful, so as to get to the action more quickly. Likewise, this could be the kind of show that really benefits from scale. With a few set pieces and the potential for big, gorgeous ensemble numbers, Ballad Lines could be a hit in waiting. In the meantime though, it could benefit from some refinement.
Ballad Lines is playing at the Southwark Playhouse until 21 March
what are the key characteristics of a “muddled musical” that still has moments of brilliance?
A Muddled musical with Moments of Brilliance
The world of musical theater is littered with productions that almost hit the mark.Shows brimming with potential, boasting stunning visuals or catchy tunes, yet ultimately hampered by a convoluted plot, uneven pacing, or underdeveloped characters. These aren’t outright failures – they’re something more intriguing: a muddled musical with moments of brilliance. identifying these productions, and understanding why they falter despite their strengths, offers valuable insight for theatregoers, critics, and creators alike.
Defining the “Muddled Musical”
What exactly constitutes a “muddled musical”? It’s more than just a show you don’t particularly enjoy. It’s a production where flashes of genuine artistry are consistently undermined by structural or narrative weaknesses. Key characteristics include:
* Complex or Unclear Storylines: The central narrative feels overly complicated, jumps around unnecessarily, or leaves key plot points unresolved. Audiences struggle to follow the core emotional journey.
* Pacing Issues: Scenes drag on too long, crucial moments are rushed, or the overall rhythm of the show feels off-kilter. This disrupts emotional investment.
* Underdeveloped Characters: While performers may deliver strong individual performances, the characters themselves lack depth, motivation, or consistent personality traits.
* Tonally Inconsistent: The show swings wildly between comedy,drama,and other genres without a cohesive feel,leaving the audience unsure how to react.
* Song Integration Problems: Songs feel shoehorned into the narrative rather than organically arising from the plot and character development.
Case Study: Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2011-2014)
Perhaps the most infamous exmaple of a muddled musical is Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. This Broadway spectacle, plagued by technical difficulties and a notoriously chaotic creative process, perfectly embodies the concept.
* The Brilliance: Groundbreaking (and often hazardous) stage effects, a soaring score by U2’s Bono and The Edge, and a clear attempt to push the boundaries of theatrical spectacle.
* The Muddle: A nonsensical plot that deviated wildly from the source material, a bloated runtime, and a lack of focus on character development. The show became more known for its mishaps than its merits.
Despite its initial hype and impressive visuals, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark ultimately failed to connect with audiences due to its basic narrative flaws. It serves as a cautionary tale about prioritizing spectacle over substance.
why do these Shows Happen? Common Causes
Several factors contribute to the creation of these frustratingly flawed productions:
- Overambition: A desire to tell a sprawling story or incorporate too many elements can lead to a convoluted and unfocused narrative.
- Creative Conflicts: Disagreements between writers, composers, directors, and choreographers can result in a tonally inconsistent and structurally unsound show.
- Source Material Challenges: Adapting complex novels, films, or past events for the stage can be arduous, and a poorly executed adaptation can lose the essence of the original work.
- excessive Rewrites: Constant revisions during the development process can create a patchwork of ideas that never fully coalesce.
- Marketing Misalignment: Promoting a show as something it isn’t – for example, marketing a dark and complex drama as a lighthearted comedy – can set unrealistic expectations and alienate audiences.
Identifying Potential: How to spot the Brilliance
Even within a muddled musical, moments of genuine artistry can shine through. Here’s what to look for:
* Standout Performances: A particularly strong actor or singer can elevate a weak character or scene.
* Memorable Musical Numbers: A truly catchy or emotionally resonant song can linger in your mind long after the show is over.
* Innovative Staging or Choreography: Creative visual elements can compensate for narrative shortcomings.
* Thought-Provoking Themes: Even if the story is confusing,the show may explore interesting ideas or raise important questions.
* Raw Emotional Power: A scene that genuinely moves you, despite the surrounding chaos, is a sign of underlying potential.
The Value of the “Flawed Gem”
While frustrating, these muddled musicals aren’t without value. They offer:
* discussion Points: They spark debate and analysis about what works and what doesn’t in musical theatre.
* Learning Opportunities: They provide valuable lessons for aspiring theatre creators.
* Unique Experiences: They can be strangely compelling, offering a glimpse into
