PREVIEW by Carter Smith
Doctors and nurses have been responsible for keeping us alive for centuries. Now, it’s time for them to get the spotlight in the new Scottish folk musical Lifeline.
It depicts two moments in time: Sir Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin and a modern-day paediatrician, Jess, who works with patients suffering from Anti-Microbial Resistance. Despite both happening at vastly different eras, both show the struggles that come with working in healthcare and the importance of their work.
Straight from off-Broadway, it will be heading to London’s Southwark Playhouse Elephant for a five-week run. This show doesn’t just consist of a top cast, but real-life healthcare workers who perform as the chorus each show.
Mike Dixon, CEO of the Healthcare Communications Association, said: “Lifeline will entertain you, make you smile, perhaps shed a tear and definitely have you tapping your foot to the music. But alongside that, it shines a light on something we can no longer afford to ignore.”
Alongside the inspiring healthcare workers, the cast of Lifeline features Alan Vicary as Alexander Fleming, Maz McGinlay as Jess and is directed by Alex Howarth, who featured on the Guardian’s stage sensations to look out for in 2023.
Alice McNicholas, costume designer on Lifeline, said: “I am super excited it has come to the UK. I have been working on it for about two years now, and there is so much heart in the show. The message is really important, and the main reason we are all there is that it’s something really crucial to share.
“Where it’s different from lots of commercial theatre is that it is spreading the word about something that isn’t widely known. Wrapping it up in a Scottish folk musical is a good way to spread awareness.”
The show will be running from March 28 to May 2. If you want to watch the show, you can book tickets here.
